Interactive controllers for managing pressure-mitigation devices and approaches to facilitating engagement by users

ABSTRACT

Introduced here are pressure-mitigation systems able to mitigate the pressure applied to a human body by the surface of an object (also referred to as a “structure”). A controller device (or simply “controller”) can be fluidically coupled to a pressure-mitigation device that includes a series of selectively inflatable chambers. When a pressure-mitigation device is placed between a human body and a surface, the controller can continuously, intelligently, and autonomously circulate fluid through the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device. Normally, the controller circulates air through the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device, though the controller could circulate another fluid, such as water or gel, through the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device. The controller may cause the chambers to be selectively inflated, deflated, or any combination thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63/227,779, titled “Pressure-Mitigation Apparatuses Designed for Homeand Hospital Settings with Improved Ease of Use” and filed on Jul. 30,2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments concern pressure-mitigation systems that includepressure-mitigation apparatuses able to mitigate the pressure applied toa human body by the surface of an object and controllers for managingthe flow of fluid into the pressure-mitigation apparatuses.

BACKGROUND

Pressure injuries—sometimes referred to as “decubitus ulcers,” “pressureulcers,” “pressure sores,” or “bedsores”—may occur as a result of steadypressure being applied in one location along the surface of the humanbody for a prolonged period of time. Regions with bony prominences areespecially susceptible to pressure injuries. Pressure injuries are mostcommon in individuals who are completely immobilized (e.g., on anoperating table, bed, or chair) or have impaired mobility. Theseindividuals may be older, malnourished, or incontinent, all factors thatpredispose the human body to formation of pressure injuries.

These individuals are often not ambulatory, so they sit or lie forprolonged periods of time in the same position. Moreover, theseindividuals may be unable to reposition themselves to alleviatepressure. Consequently, pressure on the skin and underlying soft tissuemay eventually result in inadequate blood flow to the area, a conditionreferred to as “ischemia,” thereby resulting in damage to the skin orunderlying soft tissue. Pressure injuries can take the form of asuperficial injury to the skin or a deeper ulcer that exposes theunderlying tissues and places the individual at risk for infection. Theresulting infection may worsen, leading to sepsis or even death in somecases.

There are technologies on the market that profess to prevent or treatpressure injuries. While these conventional technologies have manydeficiencies, a common theme is the inability to precisely control thespatial relationship between a human body and a support surface (orsimply “surface”) that applies pressure to the human body. For example,some cushions allegedly lessen the pressure applied to the human bodythrough the inclusion of a malleable material such as foam or gel, whileother cushions allegedly lessen the pressure applied to the human bodyby shifting the body at least partially toward the left and rightlateral recumbent positions. Individuals that use these conventionaltechnologies are still prone to developing pressure injuries orsuffering from related complications, as these conventional technologiesfail to fully address the reasons that pressure injuries initiallydevelop and continue to worsen over time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-B are top and bottom views, respectively, of apressure-mitigation device able to relieve the pressure on an anatomicalregion applied by the surface of an elongated object in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 2A-B are top and bottom views, respectively, of apressure-mitigation device configured in accordance with embodiments ofthe present technology.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a pressure-mitigation device for relievingpressure on an anatomical region applied by a wheelchair in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a pressure-mitigation device 400 for relievingpressure on an anatomical region applied by an elongated object inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4B is a side view of a pressure-mitigation device that is designedto alleviate pressure along one side of the human body by accommodatingmost, if not all, of that side of the human body.

FIG. 4C illustrates how multiple pressure-mitigation devices can beconnected to one another.

FIG. 5 is a partially schematic top view of a pressure-mitigation deviceillustrating how a pressure gradient can be created by varying pressuredistributions to avoid ischemia in a mobility-impaired patient inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 6A is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationdevice for relieving pressure on a specific anatomical region bydeflating one or more chambers in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology.

FIG. 6B is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationdevice for relieving pressure on a specific anatomical region byinflating one or more chambers in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology.

FIGS. 7A-C are isometric, front, and back views, respectively, of acontroller device (also referred to as a “controller”) that isresponsible for controlling inflation and/or deflation of the chambersof a pressure-mitigation device in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a controller in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a manifold for controlling the flow offluid (e.g., air) to the chambers of a pressure-mitigation device inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 10 is a generalized electrical diagram illustrating how thepiezoelectric valves of a manifold can separately control the flow offluid along multiple channels in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology.

FIG. 11 illustrates how aspects of the controller and pump may beincorporated into modular assemblies.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process for varying the pressure in thechambers of a pressure-mitigation device that is positioned between ahuman body and a surface in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a process for utilizing the side supportsof a pressure-mitigation device to center a human body positionedthereon.

FIG. 14 includes a flow diagram of a process for transmitting datarelated to the flow of fluid from a controller into apressure-mitigation device to a destination external to the controller.

FIG. 15 includes a flow diagram of a process for adjusting theprogrammed pattern for inflating the chambers of a pressure-mitigationdevice based on data received from a source external to the controller.

FIG. 16 includes a flow diagram of a process for monitoring a medicationregimen while continuing to controllably alleviate the force applied toa user by an underlying surface.

FIG. 17 includes a flow diagram of a process for audibly communicatingwith a user or an operator of a pressure-mitigation system.

FIG. 18 includes a flow diagram of a process for controllably dispensingfluid into the ambient environment while a user is being treated with apressure-mitigation system.

FIG. 19 includes a flow diagram of a process for interfacing with anelectronic health record of a user that is to be treated with apressure-mitigation system.

FIG. 20 is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationsystem (or simply “system”) for orienting a user over apressure-mitigation device in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 21A illustrates an example of a pressure-mitigation device thatincludes a pair of elevated side supports that has been deployed on thesurface of an object (here, a hospital bed).

FIG. 21B illustrates an example of a pressure-mitigation device with noelevated side supports that has deployed on the surface of an object(here, an operating table).

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processingsystem in which at least some operations described herein can beimplemented.

Various features of the embodiments described herein will become moreapparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the DetailedDescription in conjunction with the drawings. While various embodimentsare depicted in the drawings for the purpose of illustration, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that alternative embodiments may beemployed without departing from the principles of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments are amenable to variousmodifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “pressure injury” refers to a localized region of damage to theskin and/or underlying tissue that results from force being appliedthereto that results in contact pressure (or simply “pressure”) on thecorresponding anatomical region of the human body. Pressure injuriestend to form over bony prominences, such as the skin and soft tissueoverlying the sacrum, coccyx, heels, or hips. However, other sites mayalso be affected. For instance, pressure injuries may form on theelbows, knees, ankles, shoulders, abdomen, back, or cranium. Pressureinjuries may develop when pressure is applied to the blood vessels insoft tissue in such a manner that blood flow to the soft tissue is atleast partially obstructed (e.g., due to the pressure exceeding thecapillary filling pressure), and ischemia occurs at the site when suchobstruction occurs for an extended duration. Accordingly, pressureinjuries are normally observed on individuals who are mobility impaired,immobilized, or sedentary for prolonged periods of times.

Once pressure injuries have formed, the healing process is normallyslow. When pressure is relieved from the site of a pressure injury, thebody will rush blood (with proinflammatory mediators) to that region toperfuse the area with blood. The sudden reperfusion of the damaged (andpreviously ischemic) region has been shown to cause an inflammatoryresponse, brought on by the proinflammatory mediators, that can actuallyworsen the pressure injury (and prolong recovery). Moreover, in somecases, the proinflammatory mediators may spread through the blood streambeyond the site of the pressure injury to cause a systematicinflammatory response (also referred to as a “secondary inflammatoryresponse”). Secondary inflammatory responses caused by proinflammatorymediators have been shown to exacerbate existing conditions and triggernew conditions (and again, prolong recovery). Recovery can also beprolonged by factors that are frequently associated with individuals whoare prone to pressure injuries, such as old age, immobility, preexistingmedical conditions (e.g., arteriosclerosis, diabetes, or infection),smoking, and medications (e.g., anti-inflammatory drugs). Inhibiting theformation of pressure injuries (and reducing the prevalence ofproinflammatory mediators) can enhance and expedite many treatmentprocesses, especially for those individuals whose mobility is impairedduring treatment.

Introduced here, therefore, are pressure-mitigation systems able tomitigate the pressure applied to a human body by the surface of anobject (also referred to as a “structure”). A controller device (orsimply “controller”) can be fluidically coupled to a pressure-mitigationdevice (also referred to as a “pressure-mitigation apparatus” or a“pressure-mitigation pad”) that includes a series of selectivelyinflatable chambers (also referred to as “cells” or “compartments”).When a pressure-mitigation device is placed between a human body and asurface, the controller can continuously, intelligently, andautonomously circulate fluid through the chambers of thepressure-mitigation device. Normally, the controller circulates airthrough the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device, though thecontroller could circulate another fluid, such as water or gel, throughthe chambers of the pressure-mitigation device. As further discussedbelow, the controller may cause the chambers to be selectively inflated,deflated, or any combination thereof.

The present disclosure concerns various aspects of thesepressure-mitigation systems that allow for more rapid deployment and usein various settings. As further discussed below, these aspects allow forpressure-mitigation systems to not only be more broadly deployed, butalso more easily used by individuals without any experience or expertisein rendering healthcare services. For example, some embodiments could bedesigned for deployment in a home setting, where a person with notraining may operate a pressure-mitigation system for herself or onbehalf of a friend or family member. As another example, someembodiments could be designed for deployment in a healthcare setting,where a person with meaningful training may operate apressure-mitigation on behalf of a user (also called a “patient” or“subject”). Examples of healthcare settings include hospitals, clinics,surgery facilities, recovery centers, nursing homes, and the like.Pressure-mitigation systems that are designed for home settings mayinclude, offer, or support features that might otherwise be provided byequipment accessible in a hospital setting. Likewise,pressure-mitigation systems designed for hospital settings may include,offer, or support features that might otherwise be provided by equipmentaccessible in a home setting.

As mentioned above, the pressure-mitigation device has inflatablechambers whose pressure can be individually varied in a controlledmanner. The inflatable chambers can be designed and arranged so as tofacilitate alignment of a given anatomical region (e.g., the sacralregion) with the pressure-mitigation device. For example, the inflatablechambers may be intertwined around an epicenter in a geometric patternbased on the internal anatomy of the given anatomical region.Specifically, the inflatable chambers may be intertwined such that acollective perimeter is representative of a quadrilateral, such as asquare or rectangle. As further discussed below, side supports canextend longitudinally along opposite sides of the pressure-mitigationdevice along at least a portion of the length of the quadrilateral.

When the inflatable chambers of the pressure-mitigation device arepressurized in accordance with a programmed pattern executed by thecontroller, a body—surface interaction is produced that emulates theinteractions seen in healthy (e.g., mobile) individuals who are able toreposition themselves to periodically adjust the pressure applied by thesurface. Note that the pattern may be “programmed” in terms of time,pressure, flow rate, or any combination thereof. Instead of the patientperiodically moving herself to adjust the pressure applied by thesurface, the pressure-mitigation device shifts the location at which themain point of pressure is applied. Accordingly, the pressure-mitigationdevice, in conjunction with the controller, can mimic themicro-adjustments that healthy individuals regularly make. This createsa scenario in which an individual can remain partially or entirelymotionless for an extended period of time, yet physiologically the netpressure effect on the individual is roughly the same as if theindividual had maintained more natural motion (e.g., performedmicro-adjustments). Such an approach prevents prolonged tissuecompression, which can lead to ischemia and reperfusion injuries thatresult in lasting tissue damage (e.g., in the form of ulcers) and otheradverse systemic health consequences.

By controllably varying the pressure in the series of chambers, thecontroller can move the main point of pressure applied by the surface todifferent regions across the human body. For example, the controller maycause the main point of pressure applied by the surface to be movedamongst a plurality of predetermined anatomic locations by sequentiallyvarying the level of inflation of (and pressure in) predeterminedsubsets of chambers. Such an approach results in pressure gradientsbeing created across the human body. In some embodiments, the controllercontrols the pressure of chambers located beneath specific anatomiclocations for specific durations in order to move one or more points ofpressure applied by the underlying surface around the anatomy in aprecise manner such that specific portions of the anatomy (e.g., thetissue adjacent to bony prominences) do not experience direct pressurefor an extended duration. The relocation of the pressure point(s) avoidsvascular compression for sustained periods of time, inhibits ischemia,and reduces the incidence of pressure injuries.

Such an approach to mitigating pressure is useful in various contexts.

Assume, for example, that an individual has been identified as acandidate for treatment after entering a hospital. In such a scenario, ahealthcare professional may obtain a portable pressure-mitigation system(or simply “system”) comprised of a pressure-mitigation device and acontroller. Examples of healthcare professionals include doctors,nurses, therapists, and the like. The healthcare professional can deploythe pressure-mitigation device on a surface on which the individual isto be immobilized, either partially or entirely, and then orient theindividual on top of the pressure-mitigation device. Thereafter, thehealthcare professional can cause the system to shift a point ofpressure applied by the surface to the individual by pressurizing theinflatable chambers of the pressure-mitigation device to varying degreesin accordance with a programmed pattern. For example, the healthcareprofessional may initiate pressurization of the inflatable chambers byindicating that treatment should begin via the controller.

As another example, assume that an individual has been instructed toutilize a pressure-mitigation device as part of a treatment regimen(e.g., following discharge from a hospital). In such a scenario, theindividual may be provided with a system comprised of apressure-mitigation device and a controller. When the individual reachesher home, she can deploy the pressure-mitigation device on a surface onwhich she is to be immobilized. For example, the individual may arrangethe pressure-mitigation device on a chair or bed as further discussedbelow. After the individual arranges herself on top of thepressure-mitigation device, she can cause the system to shift a point ofpressure applied by the surface to her body by pressurizing theinflatable chambers of the pressure-mitigation device to varying degreesin accordance with a programmed pattern. For example, the individual mayinteract with the controller in such a manner (e.g., by pressing amechanical interface component, such as a button or switch) so as toindicate that fluid should begin flowing into the pressure-mitigationdevice. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a similar processmay be performed if the system is provided to, or deployed by, acaretaker of the individual. Note that the term “caretaker,” as usedherein, is generally used to refer to a person who helps another personto receive treatment, but is not herself a healthcare professional.Examples of caretakers include family members, friends, and aides.

Embodiments may be described with reference to particular anatomicalregions, treatment regimens, environments, and the like. However, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the features are similarlyapplicable to other anatomical regions, treatment regimens, andenvironments. As an example, embodiments may be described in the contextof a pressure-mitigation device that is positioned adjacent to ananterior anatomical region of an individual oriented in the proneposition. However, aspects of those embodiments may apply to apressure-mitigation device that is positioned adjacent to a posterioranatomical region of an individual oriented in the supine position.

While embodiments may be described in the context of machine-readableinstructions, aspects of the technology can be implemented via hardware,firmware, or software. As an example, a controller may not only executeinstructions for determining an appropriate rate at which to permitfluid (e.g., air) to flow into each inflatable chamber of apressure-mitigation device, but may also be responsible for facilitatingcommunication with other computing devices. The controller may be ableto communicate with a mobile device that is associated with theindividual, caregiver, or healthcare professional, or the controller maybe able to communicate with a computer server of a network-accessibleserver system, for example, that includes a computer program thatmanages electronic health records on behalf of one or more healthcareentities.

Terminology

References in the present disclosure to “an embodiment” or “someembodiments” mean that the feature, function, structure, orcharacteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment.Occurrences of such phrases do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment, nor are they necessarily referring to alternativeembodiments that are mutually exclusive of one another.

The term “based on” is to be construed in an inclusive sense rather thanan exclusive sense. That is, in the sense of “including but not limitedto.” Thus, unless otherwise noted, the term “based on” is intended tomean “based at least in part on.”

The terms “connected,” “coupled,” and variants thereof are intended toinclude any connection or coupling between two or more elements, eitherdirect or indirect. The connection or coupling can be physical, logical,or a combination thereof. For example, elements may be electrically orcommunicatively coupled to one another despite not sharing a physicalconnection.

The term “module” may refer broadly to software, firmware, hardware, orcombinations thereof. Modules are typically functional components thatgenerate one or more outputs based on one or more inputs. A computerprogram may include or utilize one or more modules. For example, acomputer program may utilize multiple modules that are responsible forcompleting different tasks, or a computer program may utilize a singlemodule that is responsible for completing all tasks.

When used in reference to a list of multiple items, the word “or” isintended to cover all of the following interpretations: any of the itemsin the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of itemsin the list.

Overview of Pressure-Mitigation Devices

A pressure-mitigation device includes a plurality of chambers into whichfluid can flow. Each chamber may be associated with a discrete flow offluid so that the pressure in the plurality of chambers can be varied asnecessary. When placed on the surface of an object on which a human bodyrests, the pressure-mitigation device can vary the pressure on ananatomical region by controllably inflating chamber(s) and/or deflatingchamber(s) to create pressure gradients across the anatomical regions.Several examples of pressure-mitigation devices are described below withrespect to FIGS. 1A-4C. Unless otherwise noted, any features describedwith respect to one embodiment are equally applicable to otherembodiments. Some features have only been described with respect to asingle embodiment for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1A-B are top and bottom views, respectively, of apressure-mitigation device 100 able to relieve the pressure on ananatomical region applied by the surface of an elongated object inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. While thepressure-mitigation device 100 may be described in the context ofelongated objects, such as mattresses, stretchers, operating tables, andprocedure tables, the pressure-mitigation device 100 could be deployedon non-elongated objects. In some embodiments, the pressure-mitigationdevice 100 is secured to a surface using an attachment apparatus. Insuch embodiments, the attachment apparatus may be laid upon the surface,and the pressure-mitigation device 100 may be laid upon the attachmentapparatus that facilitates securement of the pressure-mitigation device100 to the surface. In other embodiments, the pressure-mitigation device100 is placed in direct contact with the surface without any attachmentapparatus therebetween. For example, the pressure-mitigation device 100may have a tacky substance deposited along at least a portion of itsouter surface that allows it to temporarily adhere to the surface.Examples of tacky substances include latex, urethane, and siliconerubber.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the pressure-mitigation device 100 can include acentral portion 102 (also referred to as a “contact portion”) that ispositioned alongside at least one side support 104. Here, a pair of sidesupports 104 are arranged on opposing sides of the central portion 102.However, some embodiments of the pressure-mitigation device 100 do notinclude any side supports. For example, the side supports 104 may beomitted when the individual is medically immobilized (e.g., underanesthesia, in a medically induced coma, etc.) and/or physicallyrestrained by an underlying object (e.g., by rails along the side of abed, armrests along the side of a chair, etc.) or some other structure(e.g., physical restraints, casts, etc.).

The pressure-mitigation device 100 includes a series of chambers 106whose pressure can be individually varied. In some embodiments, theseries of chambers 106 are arranged in a geometric pattern designed torelieve pressure on one or more anatomical regions of a human body. Forexample, the series of chambers 106 may be intertwined with one anotherso that, when a human body is positioned on the pressure-mitigationdevice 100 with the sacral region generally situated near the middle,the lumbar region and/or the gluteal regions can be supported throughinflation of the series of chambers 106. As noted above, when placedbetween the human body and a surface, the pressure-mitigation device 100can vary the pressure on these anatomical region(s) by controllablyinflating and/or deflating chamber(s).

In some embodiments, the series of chambers 106 are arranged such thatpressure on a given anatomical region is mitigated when the givenanatomical region is oriented over a target region 108 of the geometricpattern. As shown in FIGS. 1A-B, the target region 108 may berepresentative of a central point of the pressure-mitigation device 100to appropriately position the anatomy of the human body with respect tothe pressure-mitigation device 100. For example, the target region 108may correspond to the epicenter of the geometric pattern. However, thetarget region 108 may not necessarily be the central point of thepressure-mitigation device 100, particularly if the series of chambers106 are positioned in a non-symmetric arrangement. The target region 108may be visibly marked so that an individual can readily align the targetregion 108 with a corresponding anatomical region of the human body tobe positioned thereon. Thus, the pressure-mitigation device 100 mayinclude a visual element representative of the target region 108 tofacilitate alignment with the corresponding anatomical region of thehuman body. The individual could be a healthcare professional,caregiver, or the patient herself.

The pressure-mitigation device 100 can include a first portion 110 (alsoreferred to as a “first layer” or “bottom layer”) designed to face asurface and a second portion 112 (also referred to as a “second layer”or “top layer”) designed to face the human body supported by thesurface. In some embodiments, the pressure-mitigation device 100 isdeployed such that the first portion 110 is directly adjacent to thesurface. For example, the first portion 110 may have a tacky substancedeposited along at least a portion of its exterior surface thatfacilitates temporarily adhesion to the support surface. In otherembodiments, the pressure-mitigation device 100 is deployed such thatthe first portion 110 is directly adjacent to an attachment apparatusdesigned to help secure the pressure-mitigation device 100 to thesupport surface. The pressure-mitigation device 100 may be constructedof various materials, and the materials used in the construction of eachcomponent of the pressure-mitigation device 100 may be chosen based onthe nature of the body contact, if any, to be experienced by thecomponent. For example, because the second portion 112 will often be indirect contact with the skin, it may be comprised of a soft fabric or abreathable fabric (e.g., comprised of moisture-wicking materials orquick-drying materials, or having perforations). In some embodiments, animpervious lining (e.g., comprised of polyurethane) is secured to theinside of the second portion 112 to inhibit fluid (e.g., sweat) fromentering the series of chambers 106. As another example, if thepressure-mitigation device 100 is designed for deployment beneath acover (e.g., a bed sheet), then the second portion 112 may be comprisedof a flexible, liquid-impervious material, such as polyurethane,polypropylene, silicone, or rubber. The first portion 110 may also becomprised of a flexible, liquid-impervious material.

Generally, the first and second portions 110, 112 are selected and/ordesigned such that the pressure-mitigation device 100 is readilycleanable. However, the specific materials that are used may varydepending on the environment in which the pressure-mitigation device 100is to be deployed. Assume, for example, that the pressure-mitigationdevice 100 is intended to be deployed in a hospital environment. In sucha scenario, the first and second portions 110, 112 may be readilycleanable with a cleaning agent (e.g., bleach) or a cleaning procedure(e.g., sterilization) that is known to be used in hospital environments.Because the pressure-mitigation device 100 will remain in the hospitalenvironment under the care of knowledgeable persons, the first andsecond portions 110, 112 could be comprised of materials that maydegrade quickly if not properly cared for. Examples of such materialsinclude high-performance fabric, upholstery, vinyl, and other suitabletextiles. If the pressure-mitigation device 100 is instead intended tobe deployed in a home environment, the first and second portions 110,112 may be comprised of materials that can be readily cleaned by personswithout extensive experience. For example, the first portion 110 and/orthe second portion 112 may be comprised of a vinyl that is easy to cleanwith commonly available cleaning agents (e.g., bleach, liquid dish soap,all-purpose cleaners). As another example, the first and second portions110, 112 may be comprised of a rugged fabric that can be washed in awashing machine without meaningful degradation. Regardless of theenvironment, the first and second portions 110, 112 may containantimicrobial additives, antifungal additives, flame-retardantadditives, and the like. These additives may be embedded in thematerials used to create the first and second portions 110, 112, orthese additives may be applied to the first and second portions 110,112, for example, in the form of a coating that is sprayed or laminatedalong the outer surfaces.

The series of chambers 106 may be formed via interconnections betweenthe first and second portions 110, 112. For example, the first andsecond portions 110, 112 may be bound directly to one another, or thefirst and second portions 110, 112 may be bound to one another via oneor more intermediary layers. In embodiments where the first and secondportions 110, 112 are bound directly to one another without anyintermediary layers, the pressure-mitigation device 100 may besubstantially flat when the series of chambers 106 are in the deflatedstate. Said another way, when the series of chambers 106 are in thedeflated state, the pressure-mitigation device 100 can be substantiallyplanar without meaningful height or variations in height. Such a designcan be beneficial as it ensures that the pressure-mitigation device 100can remain beneath the human body even when no fluid is flowing into theseries of chambers 106. When a conventional cushion is deflated, ridgestend to form where the layers are bound together (e.g., along theperiphery). These ridges can be irritating, as each ridge will applypressure to the human body. However, this concern can be addressed bydesigning the pressure-mitigation device 100 to be largely flat when theseries of chambers 106 are deflated.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-B, the pressure-mitigationdevice 100 includes an “M-shaped” chamber intertwined with two“C-shaped” chambers that face one another. Such an arrangement has beenshown to effectively mitigate the pressure applied to the sacral regionof a human body in the supine position by a support surface when thepressure in these chambers is alternated. The series of chambers 106 maybe arranged differently if the pressure-mitigation device 100 isdesigned for an anatomical region other than the sacral region, or ifthe pressure-mitigation device 100 is to be used to support a human bodyin a non-supine position (e.g., a prone position or sitting position).Generally, the geometric pattern of chambers 106 is designed based onthe internal anatomy (e.g., the muscles, bones, and vasculature) of theanatomical region on which pressure is to be relieved.

A healthcare professional, caregiver, or the person to be treated usingthe pressure-mitigation device 100 may be responsible for activelyorienting the anatomical region of the human body lengthwise over thetarget region 108 of the geometric pattern. If the pressure-mitigationdevice 100 includes one or more side supports 104, the side supports 104may actively orient or guide the anatomical region of the human bodylaterally over the target region 108 of the geometric pattern. Forexample, after situating the human body over the series of chambers 106,a healthcare professional or caregiver may initiate an orientationoperation (e.g., by interacting with the controller) in which the sidesupports 104 are inflated to “push” the human body over the targetregion 108. Alternatively, the side supports 104 may passively orient orguide the anatomical region of the human body laterally over the targetregion 108 of the geometric pattern. For example, at least a portion ofeach side support may be stuffed with cotton, latex, polyurethane foam,gel, or any combination thereof. These “stuffed” side supports canpassively orient the human body by defining a channel in which the humanbody is to be situated.

As further described below with respect to FIGS. 7A-C, a controller canseparately control the pressure in each chamber—as well as the sidesupports 104, if included—by providing a discrete airflow via one ormore corresponding valves 114. In some embodiments, the valves 114 arepermanently secured to the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 anddesigned to interface with tubing that can be readily detached (e.g.,for easier transport, storage, etc.). Each valve 114 may be designed tomate with a complementary end of the tubing, for example, that isdesigned or sized to securely yet removably “grasp” that valve. Here,the pressure-mitigation device 100 includes five valves 114. Threevalves are fluidically coupled to the series of chambers 106, and twovalves are fluidically coupled to the side supports 104. Otherembodiments of the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 may include morethan five valves or less than five valves. For example, thepressure-mitigation device 100 may be designed such that a pair of sidesupports 104 are pressurized via a single airflow received via a singlevalve.

In some embodiments, the pressure-mitigation device 100 includes one ormore design features 116 a-c that are designed to facilitate securementof the pressure-mitigation device 100 to the surface of an object and/oran attachment apparatus. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, for example, thepressure-mitigation device 100 may include three design features 116a-c, each of which can be aligned with a corresponding structuralfeature that is accessible along the surface of the object or theattachment apparatus. For example, each design feature 116 a-c may bedesigned to at least partially envelope a structural feature thatprotrudes upward. One example of such a structural feature is a railthat extends along the side of a bed. The design features 116 a-c mayalso facilitate proper alignment of the pressure-mitigation device 100with the surface of the object or the attachment apparatus.

One or more release valves 118 (also referred to as “discharge valves”or simply “valves”) may be located along the periphery of thepressure-mitigation device 100 to allow for quick discharge of the fluidstored therein. Normally, the release valves 118 are located along thelongitudinal sides to ensure that the release valves 118 are not locatedbeneath a human body that is situated on the pressure-mitigationapparatus 100. Generally, it is desirable to locate the release valves118 so that the release valves 118 are accessible even when thepressure-mitigation device 100 is being used. The release valves 118 mayallow discharge of fluid from the side supports 104 and/or the series ofchambers 106.

Referring to the side supports 104, fluid may be separatelydischargeable therefrom if (i) each side support is fluidicallydecoupled from the other side support and (ii) each side support has atleast one release valve. This design—namely, where the side supports 104are fluidically decoupled from one another—may be desirable in somescenarios because fluid can quickly be discharged from the side supports104, which allows the human body situated on the pressure-mitigationdevice 100 to be accessed (e.g., in the case of a medical emergency).Alternatively, fluid may be collectively dischargeable from the sidesupports 104 if (i) the side supports 104 are fluidically coupled toeach other and (ii) the side supports 104 have at least one releasevalve. This approach to “dually deflating” the side supports 104 may betaken if the release valve(s) are connected to only one side support,even if both side supports are fluidically coupled to one another.

Accordingly, a first release valve could be located along the peripheryof a first side support of the pair of side supports 104. When engaged,the first release valve allows for the release of fluid from the firstside support. In embodiments where the first side support is fluidicallycoupled to the second side support, when the release valve is engaged,fluid is released from the pair of side supports 104. As shown in FIG. 1, a second release valve may be located along the periphery of thesecond side support in some embodiments. When engaged, the secondrelease valve allows for the release of fluid from the second sidesupport. Thus, a single release valve may be connected to a pair of sidesupports that are fluidically couped to one another, or a pair ofrelease valves may be connected to a pair of side supports that may ormay not be fluidically coupled to one another.

Additionally or alternatively, valves may be connected to some or all ofthe chambers 106 that collectively form a geometric arrangement. Assume,for example, that the pressure-mitigation device 100 includes threechambers in addition to two side chambers that are fluidically coupledto each other. In such a scenario, valves may be connected to any of thethree chambers, as well as any of the two side chambers. Thus, thepressure-mitigation device may include a set of valves, at least some ofwhich allow for the release of fluid from the chambers 106 and at leastsome of which allow for the release of fluid from the side supports 104.Generally, each valve allows fluid to be rapidly yet controllablyreleased from either a corresponding chamber or a corresponding sidesupport, though a valve could be configured to permit the release offluid from multiple chambers or multiple side supports.

Regardless of the number of valves, each valve is normally locatedproximate to the periphery of the pressure-mitigation device 100. Suchan approach to locating valves ensures that the valves remain usableeven while a human body is situated on the pressure-mitigation device100.

Each release valve may be mechanically or electrically actuated.

In embodiments where the release valves are mechanically actuatable,each release valve may be actuated by an individual engaging amechanical button (also referred to as a “strike button” or “releasebutton”) that, when pressed, opens a channel through which fluid flowsout of the corresponding chamber or corresponding side support into theambient environment. In embodiments where the fluid is water or gel, thefluid may be directed into a container (e.g., from which the fluid canthen be rerouted through the controller as further discussed below).

In embodiments where the release valves are electrically actuatable, therelease valves may be actuated in different ways. For example, eachrelease valve may include an actuator configured to controllably engagethe valve, and a switch assembly may be located along an exteriorsurface of the pressure-mitigation device 100, where when engaged, theswitch assembly can cause transmission of a signal to the actuator toprompt engagement of the valve. As another example, each release valvemay include an actuator configured to controllably engage the valve, andthe pressure-mitigation device 100 may include a processor that isconfigured to receive input indicative of an instruction to releasefluid from the corresponding chamber or corresponding side support andthen cause transmission of a signal to the actuator, so as to promptengagement of the valve. The instruction may be provided via thecontroller or another computing device (e.g., a mobile phone or wearableelectronic device) that is communicatively connected to thepressure-mitigation device 100. Thus, the input may be received from thecontroller that is fluidically connected to the pressure-mitigationdevice 100 and responsible for managing the flow of fluid into theseries of chambers 106 and pair of side supports 104. Alternatively, theinput may be received from a computing device that is communicativelyconnected to the pressure-mitigation device 100, either directly orindirectly (e.g., via the controller).

In some embodiments, all of the release valves included in thepressure-mitigation device 100 may be collectively engageable. Valvesmay be synchronized via a physical or digital coupling that allows thevalves to work in concert with one another. Such a feature allows forthe simultaneous release of fluid from each chamber or side support. Insome embodiments, subsets of the valves are collectively engageable.Assume, for example, that the pressure-mitigation device 100 includesfive release valves, three release valves for the three chambers and tworelease valves for the two side supports. In such a scenario, the threerelease valves may be collectively engageable, to allow for thesimultaneous release of fluid from the three chambers. Additionally oralternatively, the two release valves may be collectively engageable, toallow for the simultaneous release of fluid from the two side supports.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment where the release valves are separate fromthe valves through which fluid flows into the pressure-mitigation device100. Because the release valves facilitate the discharge of fluid fromthe pressure-mitigation device 100, the release valves may be referredto as “egress valves” while the valves through which fluid flows intothe pressure-mitigation device 100 may be referred to as “ingressvalves.” In some embodiments, the same valves may allow for thebidirectional flow of fluid. Said another way, a “bidirectional valve”may allow for ingress and egress of fluid depending on its state.

FIGS. 2A-B are top and bottom views, respectively, of apressure-mitigation device 200 configured in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology. The pressure-mitigation device 200 isgenerally used in conjunction with non-elongated objects that supportindividuals in a seated or partially erect position. Examples ofnon-elongated objects include chairs (e.g., office chairs, examinationchairs, recliners, and wheelchairs) and the seats included in vehiclesand airplanes. Accordingly, the pressure-mitigation device 200 may bepositioned atop surfaces that have side supports integrated into theobject itself (e.g., the side arms of a recliner or wheelchair). Note,however, that the pressure-mitigation device 200 could likewise be usedin conjunction with elongated objects in a manner generally similar tothe pressure-mitigation device 100 of FIGS. 1A-B.

In some embodiments, the pressure-mitigation device 200 is secured to asurface using an attachment apparatus. In other embodiments, theattachment apparatus is omitted such that the pressure-mitigation device200 directly contacts the underlying surface. In such embodiments, thepressure-mitigation device 200 may have a tacky substance depositedalong at least a portion of its outer surface that allows it totemporarily adhere to the surface.

The pressure-mitigation device 200 can include various features similarto the features of the pressure-mitigation device 100 described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1A-B. For example, the pressure-mitigation device200 may include a first portion 202 (also referred to as a “first layer”or “bottom layer”) designed to face the surface, a second portion 204(also referred to as a “second layer” or “top layer”) designed to facethe human body supported by the surface, and a plurality of chambers 206formed via interconnections between the first and second portions 202,204. In this embodiment, the pressure-mitigation device 200 includes an“M-shaped” chamber intertwined with a backward “J-shaped” chamber and abackward “C-shaped” chamber. Varying the pressure in such an arrangementof chambers 206 has been shown to effectively mitigate the pressureapplied by a surface to the gluteal and sacral regions of a human bodyin a seated position. These chambers may be intertwined to collectivelyform a square-shaped pattern. Pressure-mitigation devices designed fordeployment on the surfaces of non-elongated objects may havesubstantially quadrilateral-shaped patterns of chambers, whilepressure-mitigation devices designed for deployment on the surfaces ofelongated objects may have substantially square-shaped patterns ofchambers.

As further discussed below, the chambers 206 can be inflated and/ordeflated in a predetermined pattern and to predetermined pressurelevels. The individual chambers 206 may be inflated to higher pressurelevels than the chambers 106 of the pressure-mitigation device 100described with respect to FIGS. 1A-B because the human body beingsupported by the pressure-mitigation apparatus 200 is in a seatedposition, thereby causing more pressure to be applied by the underlyingsurface than if the human body were in a supine or prone position.Further, unlike the pressure mitigation device 100 of FIGS. 1A-B, thepressure-mitigation device 200 of FIGS. 2A-B does not include sidesupports. As noted above, side supports may be omitted when the objecton which the individual is situated (e.g., seated or reclined) alreadyprovides components that will laterally center the human body, as isoften the case with non-elongated support surfaces. One example of sucha component is the armrests along the side of a chair.

As further described below with respect to FIGS. 7A-C, a controller cancontrol the pressure in each chamber 206 by providing a discrete airflowvia one or more corresponding valves 208. Here, the pressure-mitigationapparatus 200 includes three valves 208, and each of the three valves208 corresponds to a single chamber 206. Other embodiments of thepressure-mitigation apparatus 200 may include fewer than three valves ormore than three valves, and each valve can be associated with one ormore chambers to control inflation/deflation of those chamber(s). Asingle valve could be in fluid communication with two or more chambers.Further, a single chamber could be in fluid communication with two ormore valves (e.g., one valve for inflation and another valve fordeflation).

FIG. 3 is a top view of a pressure-mitigation device 300 for relievingpressure on an anatomical region applied by a wheelchair in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology. The pressure-mitigationdevice 300 can include features similar to the features of thepressure-mitigation device 200 of FIGS. 2A-B and the pressure-mitigationdevice 100 of FIGS. 1A-B described above. For example, thepressure-mitigation device 300 can include a first portion 302 (alsoreferred to as a “first layer” or “bottom layer”) designed to face theseat of the wheelchair, a second portion 304 (also referred to as a“second layer” or “top layer”) designed to face the human body supportedby the seat of the wheelchair, a series of chambers 306 formed byinterconnections between the first and second portions 302, 304, andmultiple valves 308 that control the flow of fluid into and/or out ofthe chambers 306. As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the chambers 306 may bearranged similar to those shown in FIGS. 2A-B. Here, however, thepressure-mitigation device 300 is designed such that the valves 308 willbe located near the backrest of the wheelchair. Such a design may allowthe tubing connected to the valves 308 to be routed through a gap near,beneath, or in the backrest.

In some embodiments the first portion 302 is directly adjacent to theseat of the wheelchair, while in other embodiments the first portion 302is directly adjacent to an attachment apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3 ,the pressure-mitigation device 300 may include an “M-shaped” chamberintertwined with a “U-shaped” chamber and a “C-shaped” chamber, whichare inflated and deflated in accordance with a predetermined pattern tomitigate the pressure applied to the sacral region of a human body in asitting position on the seat of a wheelchair. These chambers may beintertwined to collectively form a square-shaped pattern.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a pressure-mitigation device 400 for relievingpressure on an anatomical region applied by an elongated object inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. As mentionedabove, examples of elongated objects include mattresses, stretchers,operating tables, and procedure tables. The pressure-mitigation device400 can include features similar to the features of thepressure-mitigation device 300 of FIG. 3 , the pressure-mitigationdevice 200 of FIGS. 2A-B, and the pressure-mitigation device 100 ofFIGS. 1A-B. For example, the pressure-mitigation device 400 can includea first portion 402 (also referred to as a “first layer” or “bottomlayer”) designed to face the surface of the elongated object, a secondportion 404 (also referred to as a “second layer” or “top layer”)designed to face a human body supported by the elongated object, aseries of chambers 406 formed by interconnections between the first andsecond portions 402, 404, and multiple valves 408 that control the flowof fluid into and/or out of the chambers 406. As can be seen in FIG. 4A,the pressure-mitigation device 400 may be designed such that the valves408 will be accessible along a longitudinal side of the elongatedobject. Such a design may allow the tubing connected to the valves 408to be routed alongside the elongated object (e.g., along or through ahandrail of a bedframe). Alternatively, the pressure-mitigation devicemay be designed such that the valves 408 are located near the top orbottom of the pressure-mitigation device 400 so as to allow the tubingto be routed along a latitudinal side of the elongated object.

While the pressure-mitigation device 100 of FIG. 1 is designed to occupythe lumbar, gluteal, and femoral regions while the human body positionedthereon is in the supine position, the pressure-mitigation device 400 ofFIG. 4A can be designed to also occupy cervical, thoracic, and legregions. Thus, the pressure-mitigation device 400 may be able toalleviate pressure applied by the elongated object anywhere along theposterior side of the human body between the skull and ankle.

Embodiments of the pressure-mitigation device 400 could also include (i)a cranial portion 410 (also referred to as a “cranial cushion” or“cranial cup”) that is designed to envelop the posterior side of thecranium while the human body is in the supine position and/or (ii) aheel portion 412 (also referred to as a “heel cushion” or “heel cup”)that is designed to envelop the posterior end of the foot while thehuman body is in the supine position. The cranial portion 410 and heelportion 412 may include a different number of chambers than thegeometric arrangements designed to occupy the lumbar and femoralregions. Generally, the cranial portion 410 and heel portion 412 onlyinclude one or two chambers, though the cranial portion 410 and heelportion 412 could include more than two chambers. In embodiments wherethe pressure-mitigation device 400 includes cranial and heel portions,the pressure-mitigation device 400 may be referred to as a “full-bodypressure-mitigation device.” In embodiments where thepressure-mitigation device 400 includes cranial and heel portions, thepressure-mitigation device 400 may have a longitudinal form that is atleast six feet in length. In embodiments where the pressure-mitigationdevice 400 does not include cranial and heel portions, thepressure-mitigation device 400 may have a longitudinal form that is atleast four feet in length.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the pressure-mitigation device 400 can include sidesupports 414 that are able to actively or passively orient the humanbody with respect to the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device 400.In some embodiments, a single side support extends longitudinally alongeach opposing side of the pressure-mitigation device 400. In otherembodiments, multiple side supports are located along each opposing sideof the pressure-mitigation device 400. As an example, along eachlongitudinal side, the pressure-mitigation device 400 may include afirst side support that is intended to be parallel to the thoracicregion and a second side support that is intended to be parallel to theleg region. As another example, along each longitudinal side, thepressure-mitigation device 400 may include a first side support that isintended to be parallel to the thoracic and lumbar regions, a secondside support that is intended to be parallel to the leg region, and athird side support that is intended to be parallel to the calf region.Accordingly, the pressure-mitigation device 400 may include more thanone side support along each side, and each side support may beresponsible for orienting a different anatomical region of the humanbody.

More generally, the pressure-mitigation device 400 includes a firstgeometric arrangement of a first series of chambers and a secondgeometric arrangement of a second series of chambers. When controllablyinflated, the first series of chambers can relieve the pressure appliedto a first anatomical region of a human body by an underlying surface.Similarly, when controllably inflated, the second series of chambers canrelieve the pressure applied to a second anatomical region of the humanbody by the underlying surface. When the pressure-mitigation device 400has a longitudinal form as shown in FIG. 4A, the first geometricarrangement can be longitudinally adjacent to the second geometricarrangement, so as to accommodate the first anatomical region that issuperior to the second anatomical region. As shown in FIG. 4A, thesecond geometric arrangement may be representative of another instanceof the first geometric arrangement that is mirrored across a latitudinalaxis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal form of thepressure-mitigation device 400. Alternatively, the second geometricarrangement may be identical to the first geometric arrangement.

Moreover, the pressure-mitigation device may include a third geometricarrangement of a third series of chambers. When controllably inflated,the third series of chambers can relieve the pressure applied to a thirdanatomical region of the human body by the underlying surface. The thirdanatomical region may be superior to the anatomical region (e.g., whenthe third geometric arrangement corresponds to the cranial portion 410),or the third anatomical region may be inferior to the second anatomicalregion (e.g., when the third geometric arrangement corresponds to theheel portion 412).

As mentioned above, the pressure-mitigation device could include cranialand heel portions in some embodiments. Therefore, thepressure-mitigation device may include a third geometric arrangement ofa third series of chambers and a fourth geometric arrangement of afourth series of chambers. When controllably inflated, the third seriesof chambers can relieve the pressure applied to a third anatomicalregion of the human body by the underlying surface. Similarly, whencontrollably inflated, the fourth series of chambers can relieve thepressure applied to a fourth anatomical region of the human body by theunderlying surface. The third anatomical region may be superior to thefirst anatomical region, while the fourth anatomical region may beinferior to the second anatomical region.

FIG. 4B is a side view of a pressure-mitigation device 450 that isdesigned to alleviate pressure along one side of the human body byaccommodating most, if not all, of that side of the human body. Thepressure-mitigation device 450 of FIG. 4B could be similar to thepressure-mitigation device 400 of FIG. 4A. The pressure-mitigationdevice 450 of FIG. 4B includes a wedge portion 452, however. The wedgeportion 452 may be interconnected along the upper surface of thepressure-mitigation device 450. As shown in FIG. 4B, the wedge portion452 may be interconnected proximate to the second geometric arrangementof the second series of chambers, such that the second anatomical region(e.g., the gluteal region or femoral region) is elevated above the firstanatomical region (e.g., the lumbar region) with respect to the surface.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the wedge portion 452 may be tapered such that thesecond anatomical region is increasingly separated from the surface asthe distance to the first anatomical region increases. Such a featurecan not only alter blood flow through the second anatomical region (andanatomical regions inferior to the second anatomical region) but alsonaturally prevents migration of the human body toward the end of thepressure-mitigation device 450 that is nearer the second series ofchambers.

Moreover, the wedge portion 452 may be continued to orient—eitheractively or passively—an anatomical region of the human body positionedon the pressure-mitigation device 450 lengthwise over the geometricpattern of chambers included in the pressure-mitigation device 450. Forexample, the wedge portion 452 could include one or more chambers thatcan be controllably inflated or deflated to actively orient theanatomical region of the human body over the geometric pattern ofchambers. Alternatively, the wedge portion 452 may passively orient theanatomical region of the human body over the geometric pattern ofchambers (e.g., by remaining constantly pressurized with fluid or filledwith a substance, such as cotton, foam, gel, etc.). Thus, the wedgeportion 452 may prevent migration of the human body toward the lower endof the pressure-mitigation device 450 (and the elongated object 454). Insome embodiments, the wedge portion 452 is designed to work inconjunction with side supports 456 arranged on opposing sides of thepressure-mitigation device 450 to control the position of the human bodyplaced thereon. The wedge portion 452 may inhibit longitudinal movementof the human body—especially towards the lower end of thepressure-mitigation device 450—while the side supports 456 may inhibitlateral movement of the human body. Together, the wedge portion 452 andside supports 456 can ensure that the pressure-mitigation device 450 isbeing used as intended by facilitating proper positioning of the humanbody with respect to the geometric pattern of chambers.

At a high level, the wedge portion 452 is intended to further separatethe lower extremities from the surface of the elongated object 454 onwhich the pressure-mitigation device 450 is deployed. Thus, the wedgeportion 452 may be designed to accommodate the lower extremities, suchas the femoral, calf, or heel regions. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that if the wedge portion 452 is designed to accommodate theheel region, then the pressure-mitigation device 450 may not need aseparate heel portion as discussed above with reference to FIG. 4A.However, there may be situations where a heel portion is stilldesirable, for example, if the wedge portion 452 is detachable from thepressure-mitigation device 450.

As mentioned above, the wedge portion 452 may be able to actively orientthe anatomical region of the human body over the geometric pattern ofchambers in the pressure-mitigation device 450. For example, the wedgeportion 450 may include one or more chambers that can be inflated and/ordeflated to predetermined pressure levels. For example, the chamber(s)in the wedge portion 450 could be controllably inflated and/or deflatedin accordance with a predetermined pattern that causes the lowerextremities to be periodically lifted and lowered to varying degrees.The chamber(s) in the wedge portion 450 may alleviate pressure on thelower extremities much like the chambers in the pressure-mitigationdevice 450 alleviate pressure on other anatomical regions of the humanbody, though the chambers in the wedge portion 450 may be arranged in adifferent geometric pattern than the chambers in the pressure-mitigationdevice 450.

The chamber(s) included in the wedge portion 452 may form one or morechannels for accommodating a portion of the legs of the human body. Forexample, embodiments of the pressure-mitigation device 450 can includetwo channels for accommodating both legs of the human body.Alternatively, embodiments of the pressure-mitigation device 450 may bedesigned to accommodate a single leg of the human body, and thereforemay only include a single channel. In such embodiments, the wedgeportion 452 may be sufficiently narrow that the other leg—which is notelevated—can remain in a naturally straight position. In someembodiments, the chamber(s) included in the wedge portion 452 can bedesigned or arranged so that when pressure is varied, force can becontrollably applied to, and relieved from, the portion of the legincluded in each channel.

Embodiments of the pressure-mitigation device 450 that include, or areconnected to, a wedge portion 452 may be helpful in preventing oraddressing various conditions. As an example, deep vein thrombosis (DVT)is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a veinlocated deep inside the human body. These blood clots normally form inthe thigh region or lower extremities but could also develop in otheranatomical regions. One common cause of clotting is inactivity. If ahuman body does not move for an extended period of time, the blood flowthrough the legs will slow down, and this may cause a clot to develop.Another common cause of clotting is narrowing or blocking of vesselsthat obstruct the flow of blood. This damage tends to result fromprolonged pressure on the surrounding anatomical region. Both of thesecauses can be addressed using the wedge portion 452. The wedge portion452 can controllably vary (e.g., apply and then alleviate) pressure in amanner that is not susceptible to the development of blood clots.

FIG. 4C illustrates how multiple pressure-mitigation devices 470, 480can be connected to one another. Each type of pressure-mitigation devicedescribed above may be designed to be detachably connectable to the sametype of pressure-mitigation device and/or a different type ofpressure-mitigation device. For example, a pressure-mitigation devicedesigned for non-elongated objects could be detachably connectedalongside another pressure-mitigation device designed for non-elongatedobjects, or a pressure-mitigation device designed for non-elongatedobjects could be detachably connected alongside a pressure-mitigationdevice designed for elongated objects. Similarly, a pressure-mitigationdevice designed for elongated objects could be detachably connectedalongside another pressure-mitigation device designed for elongatedobjects. Thus, multiple human bodies (e.g., related persons, such as ahusband and wife) could be deployed alongside one another (e.g., in asingle bed, in adjacent seats of a vehicle, etc.).

Pressure-mitigation devices can be detachably connected to one anotherusing different forms of attachment mechanisms 475. As an example, apressure-mitigation device may have a longitudinal form that is definedby opposing longitudinal sides, and the pressure-mitigation device mayinclude at least one attachment mechanism along a first longitudinalside of the opposing longitudinal sides and at least one attachmentmechanism along a second longitudinal side of the opposing longitudinalsides. The attachment mechanisms could be magnets, where the magnetsarranged along the first longitudinal side have opposite polarity of themagnets arranged along the second longitudinal side. Specifically,magnets of one pole (e.g., north) may be located along one longitudinalside, while magnets of the other pole (e.g., south) may be located alongthe other longitudinal side. When pressure-mitigation devices are placedin proximity to one another, the magnets may naturally be attracted toone another. As another example, a pressure-mitigation device mayinclude one or more mechanical structures, such as zippers, buttons,clasps, and the like, arranged along each longitudinal side. As anotherexample, a pressure-mitigation device may include an adhesive filmarranged along each longitudinal side. As another example, apressure-mitigation device may include strips of hook-and-loop fasteners(e.g., made by VELCRO®) along each longitudinal side.

Assume that a pair of pressure-mitigation devices are to be secured toone another. In some embodiments, the pair of pressure-mitigationdevices operate independently despite being detachably connected to oneanother. Thus, each pressure-mitigation device may be connected to itsown controller. In other embodiments, the pair of pressure-mitigationdevices operate together as a single unit. Thus, the pair ofpressure-mitigation devices may be connected to a single controller thatis responsible for controlling fluid flow into the chambers of eachpressure-mitigation device. For example, multi-channel tubing that isconnected to the controller may split along one end, and one split endmay be fluidically coupled to a first pressure-mitigation device whileanother split end may be fluidically coupled to a secondpressure-mitigation device. Such an approach allows the controller tosimultaneously control the first and second pressure-mitigation devices.

Overview of Approaches to Mitigating Pressure

FIG. 5 is a partially schematic top view of a pressure-mitigation device500 illustrating how a pressure gradient can be created by varyingpressure distributions to avoid ischemia in a mobility-impaired patientin accordance with embodiments of the present technology. When a humanbody is supported by a surface 502 for an extended duration, pressureinjuries may form in the tissue overlaying bony prominences, such as theskin overlying the sacrum, coccyx, heels, or hips. Generally, these bonyprominences represent the locations at which the most pressure isapplied by the surface 502 and, therefore, may be referred to as the“main pressure points” along the surface of the human body.

To prevent the formation of pressure injuries, healthy individualsperiodically make minor positional adjustments (also known as“micro-adjustments”) to shift the location of the main pressure point.However, individuals having impaired mobility often cannot make thesemicro-adjustments by themselves. Mobility impairment may be due tophysical injury (e.g., a traumatic injury or a progressive injury),movement limitations (e.g., within a vehicle, on an aircraft, or inrestraints), medical procedures (e.g., those requiring anesthesia),and/or other conditions that limit natural movement. For thesemobility-impaired individuals, the pressure-mitigation device 500 can beused to shift the location of the main pressure point(s) on theirbehalf. That is, the pressure mitigation device 500 can create movingpressure gradients to avoid sustained, localized vascular compressionand enhance tissue perfusion.

The pressure-mitigation device 500 can include a series of chambers 504whose pressure can be individually varied. The chambers 504 may beformed by interconnections between the top and bottom layers of thepressure-mitigation device 500. The top layer may be comprised of afirst material (e.g., a permeable, non-irritating material) configuredfor direct contact with a human body, while the bottom layer may becomprised of a second material (e.g., a non-permeable, grippingmaterial) configured for direct contact with the surface 502. Generally,the first material is permeable to gasses (e.g., air) and/or liquids(e.g., water and sweat) to prevent buildup of fluids that may irritatethe skin. Meanwhile, the second material may not be permeable to gassesor liquids to prevent soilage of the underlying object. Accordingly, airdischarged into the chambers 504 may be able to slowly escape throughthe first material (e.g., naturally or via perforations) but not thesecond material, while liquids may be able to penetrate the firstmaterial (e.g., naturally or via perforations) but not the secondmaterial. Note, however, that the first material is generally beselected such that the top layer does not actually become saturated withliquid to reduce the likelihood of irritation. Instead, the top layermay allow liquid to pass therethrough into the cavities, from which theliquid can be subsequently discharged (e.g., as part of a cleaningprocess). The top layer and/or the bottom layer can be comprised of morethan one material, such as a coated fabric or a stack of interconnectedmaterials.

The pressure-mitigation device 500 may be designed such that inflationof at least some of the chambers 504 causes air to be continuouslyexchanged across the surface of the human body. Said another way,simultaneous inflation of at least some of the chambers 504 may providea desiccating effect to inhibit generation and/or collection of moisturealong the skin in a given anatomical region. In some embodiments, thepressure-mitigation device 500 is able to maintain airflow through theuse of a porous material. For example, the top layer may be comprised ofa biocompatible material through which air can flow (e.g., naturally orvia perforations). In other embodiments, the pressure-mitigation device500 is able to maintain airflow without the use of a porous material.For example, airflows can be created and/or permitted simply throughvaried pressurization of the chambers 504. This represents a newapproach to microclimate management that is enabled by simultaneousinflation and deflation of the chambers 504. At a high level, each voidformed beneath a human body due to deflation of at least one chamber canbe thought of as a microclimate that cools and desiccates thecorresponding portion of the anatomical region. Heat and humidity canlead to injury (e.g., further development of ulcers), so the cooling anddesiccating effects may present some injuries due to inhibition ofmoisture generation/collection along the skin in the anatomical region.

As discussed below with respect to FIG. 20 , a pump (also referred to asa “pressure device”) can be fluidically coupled to each chamber 504(e.g., via a corresponding valve), while a controller can control theflow of fluid generated by the pump into each chamber 504 on anindividual basis in accordance with a predetermined pattern. Thecontroller can operate the series of chambers 504 in several differentways.

In some embodiments, the chambers 504 have a naturally deflated state,and the controller causes the pump to inflate at least one of thechambers 504 to shift the main pressure point along the anatomy of thehuman body. For example, the pump may inflate at least one chamberlocated directly beneath an anatomical region to momentarily applycontact pressure to that anatomical region and relieve contact pressureon the surrounding anatomical regions adjacent to the deflatedchamber(s). Alternatively, the controller may cause the pump to inflatetwo or more chambers adjacent to an anatomical region to create a voidbeneath the anatomical region to shift the main pressure point at leastmomentarily away from the anatomical region.

In other embodiments, the chambers 504 have a naturally inflated state,and the controller may cause deflation of at least one of the chambers504 to shift the main pressure point along the anatomy of the humanbody. For example, the pump may cause deflation of at least one chamberlocated directly beneath an anatomical region, thereby forming a voidbeneath the anatomical region to momentarily relieve the contactpressure on the anatomical region. To deflate a chamber, the controllermay simply prevent an airflow generated by the pump from entering thechamber as further discussed below with reference to FIGS. 9-10 .Additionally or alternatively, the controller may cause air contained inthe chamber to be released (e.g., via a release valve). At least partialdeflation may naturally occur in this scenario if air escapes throughthe valve quicker than air enters the chamber.

Whether configured in a naturally deflated state or a naturally inflatedstate, the continuous or intermittent alteration of the inflation levelsof the individual chambers 504 moves the location of the main pressurepoint across different portions of the human body. As shown in FIG. 5 ,for example, inflating and/or deflating the chambers 504 createstemporary contact regions 506 that move across the pressure-mitigationdevice 500 in a predetermined pattern, and thereby changing the locationof the main pressure point(s) on the human body for finite intervals oftime. Thus, the pressure-mitigation device 500 can simulate themicro-adjustments made by healthy individuals to relieve stagnantpressure applied by the surface 502.

The series of chambers 504 may be arranged in an anatomy-specificpattern so that when the pressure of one or more chambers is altered,the contact pressure on a specific anatomical region of the human bodyis relieved (e.g., by shifting the main pressure point elsewhere). As anexample, the main pressure point may be moved between eight differentlocations corresponding to the eight temporary contact regions 506 asshown in FIG. 5 . In some embodiments the main pressure point shiftsbetween these locations in a predictable manner (e.g., in a clockwise orcounter-clockwise pattern), while in other embodiments the main pressurepoint shifts between these locations in an unpredictable manner (e.g.,in accordance with a random pattern or a semi-random pattern, based onthe amount of force applied by the human body to the chambers, or basedon the pressure of the chambers). Those skilled in the art willrecognize that the number and position of these temporary contactregions 506 may vary based on the size of the pressure-mitigation device500, the arrangement of chambers 504, the number of chambers 504, theanatomical region supported by the pressure-mitigation device 500, thecharacteristics of the human body supported by the pressure mitigationdevice 500, the condition of the human body (e.g., whether the person iscompletely immobilized, partially immobilized, etc.), or any combinationthereof.

As discussed above, the pressure-mitigation device 500 may not includeside supports if the condition of a user would not benefit from thepositioning assistance provided by the side supports. For example, sidesupports can be omitted when the user is medically immobilized (e.g.,under anesthesia, in a medically induced coma, etc.) and/or physicallyrestrained on the underlying surface 502 (e.g., by rails on the side ofa bed, arm rests on the side of a chair, restraints that limit movement,etc.).

FIG. 6A is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationdevice 602 a for relieving pressure on a specific anatomical region bydeflating one or more chambers in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology. The pressure-mitigation device 602 a can bepositioned between the surface of an object 600 and a human body 604.Examples of objects 600 include elongated objects, such as mattresses,stretchers, operating tables, and procedure tables, and non-elongatedobjects, such as chairs (e.g., office chairs, examination chairs,recliners, and wheelchairs) and the seats included in vehicles andairplanes. To relieve the pressure on a specific anatomical region ofthe human body 604, at least one chamber 608 a of multiple chambers(collectively referred to as “chambers 608”) proximate to the specificanatomical region is at least partially deflated to create a void 606 abeneath the specific anatomical region. In such embodiments, theremaining chambers 608 may remain inflated. Thus, thepressure-mitigation device 602 a may sequentially deflate chambers (orarrangements of multiple chambers) to relieve the pressure applied tothe human body 604 by the surface of the object 600.

FIG. 6B is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationdevice 602 b for relieving pressure on a specific anatomical region byinflating one or more chambers in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology. For example, to relieve the pressure on a specificanatomical region of the human body 604, the pressure-mitigation device602 b can inflate two chambers 608 b and 608 c disposed directlyadjacent to the specific anatomical region to create a void 606 bbeneath the specific anatomical region. In such embodiments, theremaining chambers may remain partially or entirely deflated. Thus, thepressure-mitigation device 602 b may sequentially inflate a chamber (orarrangements of multiple chambers) to relieve the pressure applied tothe human body 604 by the surface of the object 600.

The pressure-mitigation devices 602 a, 602 b of FIGS. 6A-B are shown tobe in direct contact with the contact surface 600. However, in someembodiments, an attachment apparatus is positioned between thepressure-mitigation devices 602 a, 602 b and the object 600. Theattachment apparatus may be designed to help secure thepressure-mitigation devices 602 a, 602 b and the object 600. Forexample, the attachment apparatus may be made of a material that isnaturally tacky or sticky so as to inhibit movement of thepressure-mitigation devices 602 a, 602 b with respect to the object 600.Alternatively, the bottom side of the pressure-mitigation devices 602 a,602 b could be coated with a material, such as a removable adhesive(e.g., an elastomer- or silicone-based sealant or a pressure-sensitivefilm) or tacky substance (e.g., silicone rubber).

In some embodiments, the pressure-mitigation devices 602 a, 602 b ofFIGS. 6A-B have the same configuration of chambers 608, and can operatein both a normally inflated state (described with respect to FIG. 6A)and a normally deflated state (described with respect to FIG. 6B) basedon the selection of an operator (e.g., the user or some other person,such as a healthcare professional or family member). For example, theoperator can use a controller to select a normally deflated mode suchthat the pressure-mitigation device operates as described with respectto FIG. 6B, and then change the mode of operation to a normally inflatedmode such that the pressure-mitigation device operates as described withrespect to FIG. 6A. Thus, the pressure-mitigation devices describedherein can shift the location of the main pressure point by controllablyinflating chambers, controllably deflating chambers, or a combinationthereof.

Overview of Controller Devices

FIGS. 7A-C are isometric, front, and back views, respectively, of acontroller device 700 (also referred to as a “controller”) that isresponsible for controlling inflation and/or deflation of the chambersof a pressure-mitigation device in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology. For example, the controller 700 can be coupled tothe pressure-mitigation devices 100, 200, 300, 400 described above withrespect to FIGS. 1A-4B to control the pressure within the chambers 106,206, 306, 406. The controller 700 can manage the pressure in eachchamber of a pressure-mitigation device by controllably driving one ormore pumps. In some embodiments, a single pump is fluidically connectedto all the chambers such that the pump is responsible for directingfluid flow to and/or from multiple chambers. In other embodiments, thecontroller 700 is coupled to two or more pumps, each of which can befluidically coupled to a single chamber to drive inflation/deflation ofthat chamber. In other embodiments, the controller 700 is coupled to atleast one pump that is fluidically coupled to two or more chambersand/or at least one pump that is fluidically coupled to a singlechamber. The pump(s) may reside within the housing of the controller 700such that the system is easily transportable. Alternatively, the pump(s)may reside in a housing separate from the controller 700.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-C, the controller 700 can include a housing 702 inwhich internal components (e.g., those described below with respect toFIG. 8 ) reside and a handle 704 that is connected to the housing 702.In some embodiments the handle 704 is fixedly secured to the housing 702in a predetermined orientation, while in other embodiments the handle704 is pivotably secured to the housing 702. For example, the handle 704may be rotatable about a hinge connected to the housing 702 betweenmultiple positions. The hinge may be one of a pair of hinges connectedto the housing 702 along opposing lateral sides. The handle 704 enablesthe controller 700 to be readily transported, for example, from astorage location to a deployment location (e.g., proximate a human bodythat is positioned on a surface). Moreover, the handle 704 could be usedto releasably attach the controller 700 to a structure. For example, thehandle 704 could be hooked on an intravenous (IV) pole (also referred toas an “IV stand” or “infusion stand”).

In some embodiments, the controller 700 includes a retention mechanism714 that is attached to, or integrated within, the housing 702. Cords(e.g., electrical cords), tubes, and/or other elongated structuresassociated with the system can be wrapped around or otherwise supportedby the retention mechanism 714. Thus, the retention mechanism 714 mayprovide strain relief and retention of an electrical cord (also referredto as a “power cord”). In some embodiments, the retention mechanism 714includes a flexible flange that can retain the plug of the electricalcord.

As further shown in FIGS. 7A-C, the controller 700 may include aconnection mechanism 712 that allows the housing 702 to be securely, yetreleasably, attached to a structure. Examples of structures include IVpoles, mobile workstations (also referred to as “mobile carts”),bedframes, rails, handles (e.g., of wheelchairs), and tables. Theconnection mechanism 712 may be used instead of, or in addition to, thehandle 704 for mounting the controller 700 to the structure. In theillustrated embodiment, the connection mechanism 712 is a mounting hookthat allows for single-hand operation and is adjustable to allow forattachment to mounting surfaces with various thicknesses. In someembodiments, the controller 700 includes an IV pole clamp 716 that easesattachment of the controller 700 to IV poles. The IV pole clamp 716 maybe designed to enable quick securement, and the IV pole clamp 616 can beself-centering with the use of a single activation mechanism (e.g., knobor button).

In some embodiments, the housing 702 includes one or more inputcomponents 706 for providing instructions to the controller 700. Theinput component(s) 706 may include knobs (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7A-C),dials, buttons, levers, and/or other actuation mechanisms. An operatorcan interact with the input component(s) 706 to alter the airflowprovided to the pressure-mitigation device, discharge air from thepressure-mitigation device, or disconnect the controller 700 from thepressure-mitigation device (e.g., by disconnecting the controller 700from tubing connected between the controller 700 and pressure-mitigationdevice).

As further discussed below, the controller 700 can be configured toinflate and/or deflate the chambers of a pressure-mitigation device in apredetermined pattern by managing one or more flows of fluid (e.g., air)produced by one or more pumps. In some embodiments the pump(s) reside inthe housing 702 of the controller 700, while in other embodiments thecontroller 700 is fluidically connected to the pump(s). For example, thehousing 702 may include a first fluid interface through which fluid isreceived from the pump(s) and a second fluid interface through whichfluid is directed to the pressure-mitigation device. Multi-channeltubing may be connected to either of these fluid interfaces. Forexample, multi-channel tubing may be connected between the first fluidinterface of the controller 700 and multiple pumps. As another example,multi-channel tubing may be connected between the second fluid interfaceof the controller 700 and multiple valves of the pressure-mitigationdevice. Here, the controller 700 includes a fluid interface 708 designedto interface with multi-channel tubing. In some embodiments themulti-channel tubing permits unidirectional fluid flow, while in otherembodiments the multi-channel tubing permits bidirectional fluid flow.Thus, fluid returning from the pressure-mitigation device (e.g., as partof a discharge process) may travel back to the controller 700 throughthe second fluid interface. By controlling the exhaust of fluidreturning from the pressure-mitigation device, the controller 700 canactively manage the noise created during use.

By monitoring the connection with the fluid interface 708, thecontroller 700 may be able to detect which type of pressure-mitigationdevice has been connected. Each type of pressure-mitigation device mayinclude a different type of connector. For example, apressure-mitigation device designed for elongated objects (e.g., thepressure-mitigation device 100 of FIGS. 1A-B, pressure-mitigation device400 FIG. 4A, pressure-mitigation device 450 of FIG. 4B) may include afirst arrangement of magnets in its connector, while apressure-mitigation device designed for non-elongated objects (e.g., thepressure-mitigation device 200 of FIGS. 2A-B or pressure-mitigationdevice 300 of FIG. 3 ) may include a second arrangement of magnets inits connector. The controller 700 may include one or more sensorsarranged near the fluid interface 708 that are able to detect whethermagnets are located within a specified proximity. The controller 700 mayautomatically determine, based on which magnets have been detected bythe sensor(s), which type of pressure-mitigation device is connected.

Pressure-mitigation devices may have different geometries, layouts,and/or dimensions suitable for various positions (e.g., supine, prone,sitting), various supporting objects (e.g., wheelchair, bed, recliner,surgical table), and/or various user characteristics (e.g., weight,size, ailment), and the controller 700 can be configured toautomatically detect the type of pressure-mitigation device connectedthereto. In some embodiments, the automatic detection is performed usingother suitable identification mechanisms, such as the controller 700reading a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or barcode on thepressure-mitigation device. Alternatively, the controller 700 may permitan operator to specify the type of pressure-mitigation device connectedthereto. For example, the operator may be able to select, using an inputcomponent (e.g., input component 706), a type of pressure-mitigationdevice via a display 710. The controller 700 can be configured todynamically alter the pattern for inflating and/or deflating chambersbased on which type of pressure-mitigation device is connected.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-B, the controller 700 may include a display 710 fordisplaying information related to the pressure-mitigation device, thepattern of inflations/deflations, the user, etc. For example, thedisplay 710 may present an interface that specifies which type ofpressure-mitigation device is connected to the controller 700. Asanother example, the display 710 may present an interface that specifiesthe programmed pattern that is presently governing inflation/deflationof the pressure-mitigation device, as well as the current state withinthe programmed pattern. Other display technologies could also be used toconvey information to an operator of the controller 700. In someembodiments, the controller 700 includes a series of lights (e.g.,light-emitting diodes) that are representative of different statuses toprovide visual alerts to the operator or the user. For example, a statuslight may provide a green visual indication if the controller 700 ispresently providing therapy, a yellow visual indication if thecontroller 700 has been paused (i.e., is in a pause mode), a red visualindication if the controller 700 has experienced an issue (e.g.,noncompliance of patient, patient not detected) or requires maintenance(i.e., is in an alert mode), etc. These visual indications may dim uponthe conclusion of a specified period of time or upon determining thatthe status has changed (e.g., the pause mode is no longer active).

In some embodiments, the controller 700 includes a rapid deflatefunction that allows an operator to rapidly deflate thepressure-mitigation device. The rapid deflate function may be designedsuch that the entire pressure-mitigation device is deflated or a portion(e.g., the side supports) of the pressure-mitigation device is deflated.This may be a software-implemented solution that can be activated viathe display 710 (e.g., when configured as a touch-enabled interface)and/or input components (e.g., tactile actuators such as buttons,switches, etc.) on the controller 700. This rapid deflation, inparticular the deflation of the side supports, is expected to bebeneficial to operators when there is a need for quick access to theuser, such as to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a controller 800 in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. As shown in FIG. 8 , thecontroller 800 can include a processor 802, memory 804, display 806,communication module 808, manifold 810, and/or power component 812 thatis electrically coupled to a power interface 814. These components mayreside within a housing (also referred to as a “structural body”), suchas the housing 702 described above with respect to FIGS. 7A-C. In someembodiments, the aspects of the controller 800 are incorporated intoother components of a pressure-mitigation system. For example, somecomponents of the controller 800 may be incorporated into a computingdevice (e.g., a mobile phone or a mobile workstation) that is remotelycoupled to a pressure-mitigation device. As another example, somecomponents of the controller 800 may be incorporated into thepressure-mitigation device itself. While “integrated”pressure-mitigation devices are more costly to produce due to theadditional components, there can be significant savings in terms ofspace and logistics, as a separate controller and tubing may not benecessary.

Each of these components is discussed in greater detail below. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that different combinations of thesecomponents may be present depending on the nature of the controller 800.Other components could also be included depending on the desiredcapabilities of the controller 800.

For example, the controller 800 could include one or more dispensingmechanisms that are able to selectively dispense fluid from a reservoir.The fluid could be water, in which case dispensation might increase theambient humidity. Alternatively, the fluid could be scented, therebyallowing the controller 800 to operate as an aromatherapy device. Such afeature may be desirable if the pressure-mitigation device is intendedto be used as part of a therapy program. In embodiments where the fluidis scented, the dispensing mechanisms may be referred to as “fragranceoutput mechanisms that are able to discharge scented fluid (e.g., air orliquid) from corresponding reservoirs, so as to produce an aroma. Eachdispensing mechanism can include (i) a pump that is able to selectivelydispense the scented fluid from a corresponding reservoir and (ii) anozzle through which the scented fluid is dispensed. In operation, theprocessor 802 can transmit signals to the dispensing mechanisms, so asto cause the scented fluid to be dispensed into the ambient environment.In embodiments where the controller 800 includes multiple dispensingmechanism, the processor 802 may transmit multiple signals to themultiple dispensing mechanisms, to indicate to each dispensing mechanismhow much scented fluid to dispense. In some embodiments, the pattern fordispensing scented fluid is based on the programmed pattern that governshow to inflate the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device. Forexample, the programmed pattern may include frames that define whensignals are to be transmitted to the dispensing mechanisms. Note thateach signal may not only specify the amount of scented fluid to bedispensed, but also the interval of time over which the scented fluid isto be dispensed. The scented fluid can take several different forms. Insome embodiments, the scented fluid is a liquid that is dispensed in theform of a spray. In other embodiments, the scented fluid is an aerosolthat is enclosed in the reservoir under pressure and dispensed by thecorresponding dispensing mechanism as a spray by means of a propellantgas. The controller 800 could include a single reservoir in whichscented fluid is stored, or the controller 800 could include multiplereservoirs in which scented fluids are stored. Normally, each reservoirof the multiple reservoir includes a different scented fluid, thoughthis need not be the case. Further, each reservoir may correspond with adispensing mechanism that is responsible for controlling dispensation ofthe scented fluid therefrom. In some embodiments, the number ofdispensing mechanisms corresponds to the number of reservoirs. In otherembodiments, at least one dispensing mechanisms is shared among multiplereservoirs. Thus, the controller 800 may only have a single dispensingmechanism even if there are multiple reservoirs storing differentscented fluids. To ensure reusability, the reservoirs may be readilyremovable from the controller 800. For example, the controller 800 mayinclude a hinged door that when opened, reveals a compartment in whichthe reservoirs are held.

As another example, the controller 800 could include a fan that isconfigured to generate an airflow. Often, a fan is included inembodiments where the controller 800 includes dispensing mechanisms fordispensing fluid, either scented or unscented, in order to promotedispersion of the fluid throughout the ambient environment. However, afan could be included in embodiments where the controller 800 does notinclude any dispensing mechanisms. In such a scenario, the fan may bepositioned and oriented so that the airflow is directed toward the userof the pressure-mitigation device.

As another example, the controller could include circuitry (also called“detecting circuitry” or a “detecting circuit”) that is able to detectand then examine electronic signatures emitted by nearby sources. Oneexample of a source is a radio transmitter (also called a “beacon”) thatis configured to continually or periodically broadcast its identifier tonearby computing device. The signal that is representative of theidentifier may be referred to as an “electronic signature” thatidentifies the beacon, and therefore whatever object the beacon is partof. Specifically, the detecting circuit may monitor for electronicsignatures emitted by nearby beacons and, in response to detecting anelectronic signature, transmit a signal to the processor 802 to promptfurther action. Accordingly, if an item (e.g., a wristband, file, orcomputing device) that includes a beacon is presented to the controller800, the controller 800 may be able to detect the electronic signatureemitted by the beacon and then take appropriate action. For example, theprocessor 802 may determine whether to authorize use of the controller800 based on an analysis of the electronic signature. As anotherexample, the processor 802 may derive information regarding the humanbody to be treated based on an analysis of the electronic signature andthen adjust the programmed pattern—which indicates how to inflate thechambers of the pressure-mitigation device—based on the informationderived from the electronic signature. Thus, the controller 800 maydetermine, based on the electronic signature that conveys informationregarding the human body to be treated, how to inflate the chambers ofthe pressure-mitigation device. Electronic signatures may be transmittedvia RFID, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, Near Field Communication (NFC), or anothershort-range wireless communication protocol. In addition to being usedto convey information, electronic signatures may simply be used as ameans of identifying a source from which to receive information or adestination to which to transmit information. Assume, for example, thatthe controller 800 receives input indicative of a request to inflate thechambers of a pressure-mitigation device in accordance with a programmedpattern. In such a scenario, the controller 800 may monitor forelectronic signatures that are broadcast by nearby beacons. Uponidentifying an electronic signature that is representative of acomputing device, the controller 800 may establish a wirelesscommunication channel with the computing device. As further discussedbelow, the wireless communication channel could be used to receiveinformation from, and transmit information to, the computing device.

As another example, the controller 800 could include an image sensorthat is configured to produce digital images based on the light that isreflected by objects in a field of view and collected through a lens.Digital images could be produced continually, or digital images could beproduced periodically, for example, in response to determining that anobject is located within a certain proximity of the image sensor in itsfield of view. The processor 802 can be configured to review the digitalimages to determine whether any include content of interest. Forexample, the processor 802 may determine that a digital image includesan object that is presented to the image sensor for the purpose ofidentifying the human body to be treated with the pressure-mitigationapparatus. In such a scenario, the processor 802 may derive informationregarding the human body based on an analysis of the digital image. Insome cases, the object may include human-readable characters that conveythe information. For example, the object may be a paper that includesinformation such as the user's name, weight, age, and the like. In othercases, the object may include a machine-readable code from which theinformation is derivable. For example, the processor 802 may be able toexamine Quick Response codes (also called “QR codes”), bar codes, andalphanumeric strings that are printed on items such as wristbands,files, and the like. By examining the machine-readable code that isprinted on an object associated with a human body, the controller may beable to determine, infer, or derive information regarding the humanbody. These features allow the controller 800 to act as a “singleaction” solution for treating the human body since the controller mayautomatically begin treatment after an electronic signature ormachine-readable code has been presented. Accordingly, the controller800 may not only initiate treatment in response to deriving user-relatedinformation from a digital image, but could also adjust the programmedpattern for inflating the chambers of the pressure-mitigation devicebased on the user-related information.

The processor 802 can have generic characteristics similar togeneral-purpose processors, or the processor 802 may be anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that provides controlfunctions to the controller 800. As shown in FIG. 8 , the processor 802can be coupled to all components of the controller 800, either directlyor indirectly, for communication purposes.

The memory 804 may be comprised of any suitable type of storage medium,such as static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory(DRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),flash memory, or registers. In addition to storing instructions that canbe executed by the processor 802, the memory 804 can also store datagenerated by the processor 802 (e.g., when executing the analysisplatform 216). Note that the memory 204 is merely an abstractrepresentation of a storage environment. The memory 204 could becomprised of actual memory chips or modules.

The display 806 can be any mechanism that is operable to visually conveyinformation to an operator. For example, the display 806 may be a panelthat includes LEDs, organic LEDs, liquid crystal elements, orelectrophoretic elements as shown in FIGS. 7A-B. Alternatively, thedisplay 806 may simply be a series of lights (e.g., LEDs) that are ableto indicate the status of the controller 800. In some embodiments, thedisplay 806 is touch sensitive. Thus, an operator user may be able toprovide input to the controller 800 by interacting with the display 806itself. Additionally or alternatively, the operator may be able toprovide input to the controller 800 by interacting with inputcomponents, such as knobs, dials, buttons, levers, and/or otheractuation mechanisms.

Various types of information can be presented by the display 806. Forexample, information related to the state of the pressure-mitigationdevice and/or programmed pattern could be presented on the display 806,so as to indicate progression. As another example, information regardingthe human body situated on the pressure-mitigation device could bepresented on the display 806. Said another way, information related tothe user may be presented on the display 806. The user-relatedinformation could be obtained through an analysis of an electronicsignature that is detected by the controller 800, or the user-relatedinformation could be obtained through an analysis of a digital imagethat includes an objected presented to an image sensor for the purposeof identifying the human body or conveying the user-related information.Alternatively, the user-related information could be obtained from asource external to the controller 800, in which case the user-relatedinformation may initially be received by the communication module 808.

The communication module 808 may be responsible for managingcommunications between the components of the controller 800, or thecommunication module 808 may be responsible for managing communicationswith other computing devices (e.g., a mobile phone associated with theoperator, a network-accessible server system accessible to either anentity responsible for manufacturing, providing, or managingpressure-mitigation devices or an entity responsible for prescribing orproviding care to the user). The communication module 808 may bewireless communication circuitry that is designed to establishcommunication channels with other computing devices. Examples ofwireless communication circuitry include integrated circuits (alsoreferred to as “chips”) configured for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and thelike.

Moreover, the communication module 808 may be responsible for providinginformation for retrieving information from, or uploading informationto, the electronic health record that is associated with the human bodythat is presently being treated. Assume, for example, that thecontroller 800 receives input indicating that a given person is to betreated using a pressure-mitigation device. In such a situation, thecontroller 800 may establish a connection with a storage medium thatincludes the electronic health record of the given person. Theconnection with the storage medium could be established in response toreceiving the input, or the connection with the storage medium could beestablished in response to the controller 800 being deployed. In someembodiments the controller 800 downloads information from the electronichealth record into the memory 804, while in other embodiments thecontroller 800 simply accesses the information in the electronic healthrecord. This information could be used to determine how to treat thegiven person. For instance, the controller 800 may determine whether toadjust the programmed pattern for inflating the chambers of thepressure-mitigation device based on this information. As an example, thecontroller 800 may determine that the rates or pressures at which fluidflows into the chambers should be modified based on the weight and ageof the given person. A characteristic of the human body being treated,such as the weight or age, could be specified directly in theinformation. Alternatively, the controller 800 may infer, compute, orotherwise determine the characteristic based on an analysis of theinformation. As another example, the controller 800 may determine whichpattern to select for inflating the chambers of the pressure-mitigationdevice, whether to adjust the pattern, etc.

As mentioned above, information could also be transmitted by thecommunication module 808 to a destination external to the controller800. For example, the controller 800 could include, or becommunicatively connected to, one or more sensors as further discussedbelow. Data generated by these sensors—or insights gleaned throughanalysis of the data—could be provided to the communication module 808for transmission, for example, to a storage medium for uploading intothe electronic health record associated with the human body that isbeing treated.

The controller 800 may be connected to a pressure-mitigation device thatincludes a series of chambers whose pressure can be individually varied.When the pressure-mitigation device is placed between a human body andthe surface of an object, the controller 800 can cause the pressure onan anatomical region of the human body to be varied by controllablyinflating and/or deflating chamber(s). Such action can be accomplishedby the manifold 810, which controls the flow of fluid to the series ofchambers of the pressure-mitigation device. The manifold 810 is furtherdescribed with respect to FIGS. 9-10 .

As further discussed below, transducers mounted in the manifold 810 cangenerate an electrical signal based on the pressure detected in eachchamber of the pressure-mitigation device. Generally, each chamber isassociated with a different fluid channel and a different transducer.Accordingly, if the manifold 810 is designed to facilitate the flow offluid to a pressure-mitigation device with four chambers, the manifold810 may include four fluid channels and four transducers. In someembodiments, the manifold 810 includes fewer than four fluid channelsand/or transducers or more than four fluid channels and/or transducers.Pressure data representative of the values of the electrical signalsgenerated by the transducers can be stored, at least temporarily, in thememory 804. In some embodiments, the pressure data—or insights gleanedthrough analysis of the pressure data—is transmitted to a destinationexternal to the controller 800 by the communication module 808 forstorage or further analysis. Additionally or alternatively, informationregarding the flow of fluid into the pressure-mitigation device could betransmitted to the destination. Examples of such information include theelapsed duration of treatment and remaining duration of treatment.

As further discussed below, the manifold 810 may be driven based on aclock signal that is generated by a clock module (not shown). Forexample, the processor 802 may be configured to generate signals fordriving valves in the manifold 810 (or driving chips in communicationwith the valves) based on a comparison of the clock signal to aprogrammed pattern that indicates when the chambers of thepressure-mitigation device should be inflated or deflated. Theprogrammed pattern may be one of multiple programmed patterns that arestored in the memory 804.

The clock signal generated by the clock module could also be used inother ways.

As an example, the controller 800 may be configured to generatenotifications, for example, that indicate when the human body is to beturned, when medication is due to be administered, etc. Notificationsmay be generated by an indicating component on a periodic basis based onthe clock signal. The term “indicating component” may refer to anycomponent that is able to generate audible, visual, or tactilenotifications. Examples of indicating components include the display 806that is able to produce visual notifications, the audio output mechanism822 that is able to produce audible notifications, and a haptic element(not shown) that is able to produce tactile notifications. Someembodiments of the controller 800 include more than one indicatingcomponent. For example, notifications may be generated by a firstindicating component (e.g., the display 806) while notifications aregenerated by a second indicating component (e.g., the audio outputmechanism 822).

An analysis platform may be responsible for examining the pressure data.For convenience, the analysis platform is described as a computerprogram that resides in the memory 804. However, the analysis platformcould be comprised of software, firmware, or hardware that isimplemented in, or accessible to, the controller 800. In accordance withembodiments described herein, the analysis platform may include aprocessing module 816, analysis module 818, and graphical user interface(GUI) module 820. Each of these modules can be an integral part of theanalysis platform. Alternatively, these modules can be logicallyseparate from the analysis platform but operate “alongside” it.Together, these modules enable the analysis platform to gain insightsnot only into whether the pressure-mitigation device connected to thecontroller 800 is being used properly, but also into the health of thehuman body situated on the pressure-mitigation device.

The processing module 816 can process pressure data obtained by theanalysis platform into a format that is suitable for the other modules.For example, in preparation for analysis by the analysis module 818, theprocessing module 816 may apply algorithms designed for temporalaligning, artifact removal, and the like. Accordingly, the processingmodule 816 may be responsible for ensuring that the pressure data isaccessible to the other modules of the analysis platform. As furtherdiscussed below, the processor 802 may forward at least some of thepressure data, in either its processed or unprocessed form, to thecommunication module 808 for transmittal to a destination for analysis.In such a scenario, the processing module 816 may apply operations(e.g., filtering, compressing, labelling) to the pressure data before itis forwarded to the communication module 808 for transmission to thedestination.

By examining the pressure data in conjunction with flow datarepresentative of the fluid flowing from the controller 800 into thepressure-mitigation device, the analysis module 818 can control how thechambers are inflated and/or deflated. For example, the analysis module818 may be responsible for separately controlling the set point forfluid flowing into each chamber such that the pressures of the chambersmatch a predetermined pattern.

By examining the pressure data, the analysis module 818 may also be ableto sense movements of the human body under which the pressure-mitigationdevice is positioned. These movements may be caused by the user, anotherindividual (e.g., a caregiver or an operator of the controller 800), orthe underlying surface. The analysis module 818 may apply algorithms tothe data representative of these movements (also referred to as“movement data” or “motion data”) to identify repetitive movementsand/or random movements to better understand the health state of theuser. For example, the analysis module 818 may be able to produce acoverage metric indicative of the amount of time that the human body isproperly positioned on the pressure-mitigation device. As furtherdiscussed below, the controller 800 (or another computing device) may beable to establish whether the pressure-mitigation device has beenproperly deployed and/or operated based on the coverage metric. Asanother example, the analysis module 818 may be able to establish therespiration rate, heart rate, or another vital measurement based on themovements of the user. Generally, the movement data is derived from thepressure data. That is, the analysis module 818 may be able to infermovements of the human body by analyzing the pressure of the chambers ofthe pressure-mitigation device in conjunction with the rate at whichfluid is being delivered to those chambers. Consequently, someembodiments of the pressure-mitigation device may not actually includeany sensors for measuring movement, such as accelerometers, tiltsensors, or gyroscopes.

The analysis module 818 may respond in several ways after examining thepressure data. For example, the analysis module 818 may generate anotification (e.g., an alert) to be presented by the controller 800 ortransmitted to another computing device by the communication module 808.The other computing device may be associated with a healthcareprofessional, a caregiver, or some other entity (e.g., a researcher oran insurer). As another example, the analysis module 818 may cause thepressure data (or analyses of the pressure data) to be integrated withthe electronic health record of the user. Generally, the electronichealth record is maintained in a storage medium that is accessible tothe communication module 808 across a network.

The GUI module 820 may be responsible for generating interfaces that canbe presented on the display 806. Various types of information can bepresented on these interfaces. For example, information that iscalculated, derived, or otherwise obtained by the analysis module 818may be presented on an interface for display to the user or operator. Asanother example, visual feedback may be presented on an interface so asto indicate whether the user is properly situated on thepressure-mitigation device.

The controller 800 may include a power component 812 that is able toprovide to the other components residing within the housing, asnecessary. Examples of power components include rechargeable lithium-ion(Li-Ion) batteries, rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries,rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries, etc. In some embodiments,the controller 800 does not include a power component, and thus mustreceive power from an external source. In such embodiments, a cabledesigned to facilitate the transmission of power (e.g., via a physicalconnection of electrical contacts) may be connected between the powerinterface 814 of the controller 800 and the external source. Theexternal source may be, for example, an alternating current (AC) powersocket or another computing device. The cable connected to the powerinterface 814 of the controller 800 may also be able to convey power soas to recharge the power component 812.

Embodiments of the controller 800 can include any subset of thecomponents shown in FIG. 8 , as well as additional components notillustrated here.

For example, while the controller 800 is able to receive and transmitdata wirelessly via the communication module 808, other embodiments ofthe controller 800 may include a physical data interface through whichdata can be transmitted to another computing device. Examples ofphysical data interfaces include Ethernet ports, Universal Serial Bus(USB) ports, and proprietary ports.

As another example, some embodiments of the controller 800 include anaudio output mechanism 822 and/or an audio input mechanism 824. Theaudio output mechanism 822 may be any apparatus that is able to convertelectrical impulses into sound. One example of an audio output mechanismis a loudspeaker (or simply “speaker”). Meanwhile, the audio inputmechanism 824 may be any apparatus that is able to convert sound intoelectrical impulses. One example of an audio input mechanism is amicrophone. Together, the audio output and input mechanisms 822, 824 mayenable the user or operator to engage in an audible exchange with aperson who is not located proximate the controller 800. Assume, forexample, that the user has become misaligned with thepressure-mitigation device. In such a scenario, the user may utilize theaudio input mechanism 824 to verbally ask for assistance, for example,from another person who is able to verbally confirm that assistance isforthcoming using the audio output mechanism 822. The other person couldbe a healthcare professional or caretaker of the user. This may beuseful in situations where the user is unable to reposition herself onthe pressure-mitigation device due to an underlying condition thatinhibits or prevents movement.

The audio input mechanism 824 may be able to convert sound in theambient environment into electrical impulses that can be examined by theprocessor 802, transmitted by the communication module 808, etc. Theaudio input mechanism 824 may also be able to generate a signal that isindicative of more nuanced sounds. For example, the audio inputmechanism 824 may generate data that is representative of soundsoriginating from within the human body situated on a pressure-mitigationdevice. These sounds may be representative of auscultation soundsgenerated by the circulatory, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems.This data could be transmitted (e.g., by the communication module 808)to a destination for analysis.

Accordingly, embodiments of the controller 800 may include an audioinput mechanism 824 in addition to, or instead of, an audio outputmechanism 822. In embodiments where the controller 800 includes an audiooutput mechanism 822, the processor 802 may transmit a signal to theaudio output mechanism 822, so as to cause sound (e.g., in the form ofan utterance) to be emitted therefrom. This may be done before treatmenthas begun (e.g., to ensure the pressure-mitigation apparatus is properlydeployed), while treatment is ongoing (e.g., to engage the user), orafter treatment is complete (e.g., as a means of incentivizing futuretreatment). While the utterances emitted from the audio output mechanism822 may commonly be instructions regarding use of thepressure-mitigation device and controller 800, the utterances couldalternatively be questions, for example, to seek feedback from the user.

In some embodiments, the utterances emitted from the audio outputmechanism 822 are recorded, and the corresponding signal is stored inthe memory 804 or retrieved by the communication module 808 from asource external to the controller 800. In other embodiments, theutterances are part of a conversation. By initiating communication witha computing device, the communication module 808 can facilitate theexchange of signals between the controller 800 and computing device. Forexample, the communication module 808 may receive, from the computerprogram, a first signal that is representative of an utterance asrecorded by an audio input mechanism of the computing device. In such ascenario, the processor 802 can generate a second signal based on thefirst signal and then transmit the second signal to the audio outputmechanism 822, so as to cause the utterance to be emitted therefrom.Similarly, if the audio input mechanism 824 generates a signal that isrepresentative of an utterance spoken by the user of thepressure-mitigation device or the operator of the controller 800, theprocessor 802 may transmit the signal (or another signal that is basedon the signal) to the communication module 808 for transmission to thecomputing device. As mentioned above, this exchange of signals may occurin near real time, so as to permit conversation in which the utterancesrecorded by the audio input mechanism 824 are responsive to theutterances emitted by the audio output mechanism 822, or vice versa.

Other sensors may also be implemented in, or accessible to, thecontroller 800. For example, sensors may be contained in the housing ofthe controller 800 and/or embedded within the pressure-mitigation devicethat is connected to the controller 800. Collectively, these sensors maybe referred to as the “sensor suite” 826 of the pressure-mitigationsystem. At a high level, these sensors generally output a signal that isindicative of either a monitored characteristic of the ambientenvironment or a monitored characteristic of the human body beingtreated.

Sensors that monitor a characteristic of the ambient environment may beuseful in determining how to operate the controller 800. For example,the sensor suite 826 may include a motion sensor whose output isindicative of motion of the controller 800 or pressure-mitigationdevice. Examples of motion sensors include multi-axis accelerometers andgyroscopes. As another example, the sensor suite 826 may include aproximity sensor whose output is indicative of proximity of an objectlocated in a field of view. Based on the output, the controller 800 maybe able to infer location of the object with respect to thepressure-mitigation device or the controller 800 itself. A proximitysensor may include, for example, (i) an emitter that is able to emitinfrared (IR) light away from the controller 800 within the field ofview and (ii) a detector that is able to detect IR light reflected bythe object toward the proximity sensor (and therefore, the controller800). These types of proximity sensors are sometimes called laserimaging, detection, and ranging (LiDAR) scanners. Other examples ofsensors include an ambient light sensor whose output is indicative ofthe amount of light in the ambient environment, a temperature sensorwhose output is indicative of the temperature of the ambientenvironment, and a humidity sensor whose output is indicative of thehumidity of the ambient environment. The outputs produced by the sensorsuite 826 may provide greater insight into the environment in which thecontroller 800 is deployed (and therefore, the environment in which thehuman body situated on the pressure-mitigation device is to be treated).

Similarly, sensors that monitor a characteristic of the human body beingtreated may be useful in determining how to operate the controller 800.Generally, sensors that monitor characteristics of human bodies are morespecialized and are designed to generate, obtain, or otherwise produceinformation related to the health of the human body. For example, thesensor suite 826 may include a vascular scanner. The term “vascularscanner” may be used to refer to an imaging instrument that includes (i)an emitter operable to emit electromagnetic radiation (e.g., in the nearinfrared range) into an anatomical region situated proximate thereto and(ii) a detector operable to sense electromagnetic radiation reflected byphysiological structures inside the anatomical region. Normally, adigital image is created based on the reflected electromagneticradiation. The processor 802 could compare the digital image against areference template for the vasculature in the anatomical region and thendetermine whether to authorize use of the controller based on an outcomeof the comparison. Alternatively, the digital image could serve as areference template for the vasculature in the anatomical region at acorresponding point in time. The vasculature in the anatomical regioncould be periodically or continually monitored based on outputs producedby a vascular scanner over time. Additionally or alternatively, thesensor suite 826 may include sensors that are able to determine theoxygen level of the blood, measure blood pressure, compute heartrate,etc. In some embodiments, the controller 800 may include a pulseoximeter that is able to infer oxygen saturation in an anatomical regionsituated proximate thereto from an analysis of peripheral oxygensaturation readings.

In some embodiments, the processor 802 may adjust the programmed patternthat specifies how to inflate the chambers of the pressure-mitigationdevice based on the outputs, if any, produced by the sensor suite 826.Assume, for example, that the controller 800 includes a sensor able tomonitor temperature and/or a sensor able to monitor ambient light. Theprocessor 802 may determine, based on an analysis of the signals outputby these sensors, whether to adjust the programmed pattern (e.g., basedon a determination that it is daytime versus nighttime). As anotherexample, the controller 800 may determine whether to adjust theprogrammed pattern based on the output produced by a sensor able tomeasure the heart rate or blood pressure of the user.

Based on the outputs produced by the sensor suite 826, the controller800 (or some other computing device) may be able to compute some or allof the main vital signs, namely, body temperature, blood pressure, pulserate, and breathing rate (also referred to as “respiratory rate”). Forexample, a given sensor may produce, as output, a signal that isrepresentative of values, in temporal order, that are indicative of amonitored characteristic of the ambient environment or human body to betreated, and the processor 802 may compute, in an ongoing manner, valuesfor a given vital sign based on the signal. The values could be storedin the memory 804, provided to the communication module 808 fortransmission to a destination (e.g., a storage medium for storage in theelectronic health record), or presented on the display 806.

Moreover, the controller 800 (or some other computing device) may beable to compute metrics that are indicative of the health of the humanbody, despite not being one of the main vital signs. For example, theoutputs generated by the sensor suite 826 could be used to establishwhether the human body is performing a given activity (e.g., sleeping oreating). The outputs could be used to not only ascertain the sleeppattern of the human body, but also whether changes in the sleep patternindicate whether the health state of the human body has improved (e.g.,sleep more consistent with longer duration following deployment of thepressure-mitigation device).

Similarly, the controller 800 (or some other computing device) may beable to detect occurrences of medical events by examining the outputsproduced by the sensor suite 826, the pressure data generated by thetransducers mounted in the manifold 810, the movement data derived fromthe pressure data, or any combination thereof. For example, theprocessor 802 may parse any of these data to identify individual values(e.g., those exceeding an upper threshold or falling below a lowerthreshold) or patterns of values that are indicative of a medical event.Examples of medical events include seizures and myocardial infarctions(also called “heart attacks”), as well as less serious events such asintermittent pauses in breathing (e.g., due to sleep apnea), shortnessof breath, heart palpitations, and excessing sweating. Upon discoveringan occurrence of a medical event, the processor 802 may cause anotification to be presented by the controller 800 and/or transmit anindication of the medical event to a destination (e.g., a storage mediumfor storage in the electronic health record).

As mentioned above, sensors could be included in the pressure-mitigationdevice in addition to, or instead of, the controller 800. Accordingly, apressure-mitigation device may include a plurality of chambers that areformed by interconnections between a first layer and a second layer, asensor embedded between the first and second layers, and a processorthat is responsible for handling data generated by the sensor. Thesensor could be configured to output values indicative of a monitoredcharacteristic of the ambient environment or human body being treated.Meanwhile, the processor may forward these values—in their raw form or aprocessed form—to an interface for transmission to the controller 800.The interface may be part of a communication module that iscommunicatively connected to the communication module 808 of thecontroller 800, or the interface may be part of a data cableinterconnected between the pressure-mitigation device and controller800. The data cable may be part of the multi-channel tubing forconveying fluid that extends between the pressure-mitigation device andcontroller 800.

Note that the sensors included in the sensor suite 826 need notnecessarily be included in the controller 800 or pressure-mitigationdevice. For example, the controller 800 may be communicatively connectedto ancillary sensors that are included in nearby items (e.g., blanketsand clothing), attached directly to the human body, etc.

These various components may allow the controller 800 to be readilyintegrated into a network-connected environment, such as a home orhospital. Thus, the controller 800 may be communicatively coupled tomobile phones, tablet computers, wearable electronic devices (e.g.,fitness trackers and watches), or network-connected devices (alsoreferred to as “smart devices”), such as televisions and home assistantdevices. Similarly, the controller 800 may be communicatively coupled tomedical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, insulin pumps, glucosemonitoring devices, and the like. Accordingly, the controller 800 mayreceive, at the communication module 808 from a medical device, datarelated to the health of the user of the pressure-mitigation device.Specifically, the controller 800 may receive a signal that is indicativeof measurements of a monitored characteristic of the user. This level ofintegration can provide several notable benefits over conventionaltechnologies for mitigating pressure.

As an example, the pressure-mitigation system of which the controller800 is a part may be used to monitor health of a human body in a moreholistic sense. As mentioned above, insights into movements of the humanbody can be surfaced through analysis of pressure data generated by thecontroller 800 or pressure-mitigation device. Analysis of thesemovements over an extended period of time (e.g., days, weeks, or months)may lead to the discovery of abnormalities that might otherwise gounnoticed. For example, the controller 800 (or some other computingdevice) may infer that the human body is suffering from an ailment inresponse to a determination that its movements over a recent interval oftime differ from those that would be expected based on past intervals oftime. At a high level, insights gained through analysis of the pressuredata can be used not only to define a “health baseline” for the humanbody, but also to discover when deviations from the health baselineoccur.

As another example, the controller 800 may be responsible for providingor supplementing prompts to administer medication in accordance with aregimen. Assume, for example, that a user positioned on apressure-mitigation device is associated with a regimen that requires amedication be administered regularly in accordance with a dosingschedule. The controller 800 may promote adherence to the regimen byprompting the user or another person (e.g., an operator of thecontroller 800) to administer the medication. Specifically, theprocessor 802 may determine whether a dose of medication is due to beadministered, for example, by comparing a clock signal generated by aclock module against the dosing schedule. The processor 802 can cause anotification to be generated by an indicating component in response to adetermination that a dose of medication is due to be administered. Forexample, visual notifications could be presented by the display 806, oraudible notifications could be presented by the audio output mechanism822. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 800 could causedigital notifications (also referred to as “electronic notifications”)to be presented by a computing device that is communicatively coupled tothe controller 800. In some embodiments, the dosing schedule is storedin the memory 804 of the controller 800. In other embodiments, thedosing schedule is stored in the memory of a computing device that iscommunicatively coupled to the controller 800. For example, the dosingschedule may be maintained by a computer program that is executing on amobile device associated with the user, and when the computer programdetermines that a dose of the medication is due to be administered, thecomputer program may transmit an instruction to the controller 800 togenerate a notification. As another example, the communication module808 may obtain the dosing schedule from the computer program, and thedosing schedule can be stored in the memory 804. Rather than obtain thedosing schedule from a mobile device associated with the user, thecontroller 800 may alternatively obtain the dosing schedule from anothercomputing device (e.g., a storage medium managed by, or associated with,a healthcare provider responsible for prescribing the medication).

As another example, the controller 800 may be able to facilitatecommunication with healthcare professionals. Assume, for example, thatthe controller 800 is deployed in a home environment that healthcareprofessionals visit infrequently or not at all. In such a scenario, thecontroller 800 may allow the user to communicate with healthcareprofessionals who are located outside of the home environment. Thus, theuser may be able to communicate, via the audio output and inputmechanisms 822, 824, with healthcare professionals who are located in ahospital environment (e.g., at which the user received treatment) ortheir own home environments.

As another example, the controller 800 may be able to facilitatecommunication with emergency services. For instance, if the controller800 determines (e.g., through analysis of pressure data) that a seriousmedical event has occurred or no movement has occurred for apredetermined amount of time, the controller 800 may prompt the user torespond and, based on the response or lack thereof, determine whether tonotify emergency services. Similarly, if the controller 800 receivesinput from the user indicative of a request for assistance, thecontroller 800 may initiate communication with emergency services. Thus,the controller 800 may be programmed to perform some action if, forexample, it determines (e.g., through analysis of the signal generatedby the audio input mechanism 824) that the user has indicated she hasfallen or has experienced a medical event.

These benefits allow pressure-mitigation systems to be deployed insituations where frequent visits by healthcare professionals may not bepractical or possible. For example, when deployed in a hospitalenvironment, a pressure-mitigation system may allow healthcareprofessionals to visit patients less frequently. Patients situated onpressure-mitigation devices may not need to be turned to alleviatepressure as often, and healthcare professionals may not need tocontinually check on patients if pressure-mitigation systems are able toautonomously discover changes in health. As another example, whendeployed in a home environment, a pressure-mitigation system may be ableto counter a lack of visits from healthcare professionals. If a patientis instructed to situate herself on a pressure-mitigation device whileat home, the patient may only need to be visited every few days (e.g.,every 3, 5, or 7 days) rather than once per day or multiple times perday. Overall, implementing pressure-mitigation systems can lead tosignificant cost savings because healthcare professionals are requiredto make less frequent visits to offsite locations and perform fewermedical procedures at onsite locations, and because patients can bedischarged more quickly.

The controller 800 may also be designed to focus on wellness in additionto, or instead of, treatment for (and prevention of) pressure-inducedinjuries. As an example, embodiments of the controller 800 may bedesigned to aid in sleep management, for healthy individuals and/orunhealthy individuals. Using the audio output mechanism 822 incombination with the manifold 810, the controller 800 may be able toaccomplish tasks such as simulating the presence of another person, forexample, by producing vocal sounds, breathing sounds, applying pressure,and the like. Calming sounds—like those made by rain, waves, andbirds—could also be emitted through the audio output mechanism 822 in aneffort to soothe the user of the pressure-mitigation device.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a manifold 900 for controlling the flowof fluid (e.g., air) to the chambers of a pressure-mitigation device inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. As discussedabove, a controller can be configured to inflate and/or deflate thechambers of a pressure-mitigation device to create a pressure gradientthat moves the main point of pressure applied by an object across thesurface of a human body situated on the pressure-mitigation device. Toaccomplish this, the manifold 900 can guide fluid to the chambersthrough a series of valves 902. In some embodiments, each valve 902corresponds to a separate chamber of the pressure-mitigation device. Insome embodiments, at least one valve 902 corresponds to multiplechambers of the pressure-mitigation device. In some embodiments, atleast one valve 902 is not used during operation. For example, if thepressure-mitigation device includes four chambers, multi-channel tubingmay be connected between the pressure-mitigation device and four valves902 of the manifold 900. In such embodiments, the other valves mayremain sealed during operation.

Generally, the valves 902 are piezoelectric valves designed to switchfrom one state (e.g., an open state) to another state (e.g., a closedstate) in response to an application of voltage. Each piezoelectricvalve includes at least one piezoelectric element that acts as anelectromechanical transducer. When a voltage is applied to thepiezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element is deformed, therebyresulting in mechanical motion (e.g., the opening or closing of avalve). Examples of piezoelectric elements include disc transducers,bender actuators, and piezoelectric stacks.

Piezoelectric valves provide several benefits over other valves, such aslinear valves and solenoid-based valves. First, piezoelectric valves donot require holding current to maintain a state. As such, piezoelectricvalves generate almost no heat. Second, piezoelectric valves createalmost no noise when switching between states, which can be particularlyuseful in medical settings. Third, piezoelectric valves can be openedand closed in a controlled manner that allows the manifold 900 toprecisely approach a desired flow rate without overshoot or undershoot.In contrast, the other valves described above must be in either an openstate, in which the valve is completely open, or a closed state, inwhich the valve is completely closed. Fourth, piezoelectric valvesrequire very little power to operate, so a power component (e.g., powercomponent 812 of FIG. 8 ) may only need to provide 3-6 watts to themanifold 900 at any given time. While embodiments of the manifold 900may be described in the context of piezoelectric valves, other types ofvalves, such as linear valves or solenoid-based valves, could be usedinstead of, or in addition to, piezoelectric valves.

In some embodiments, the manifold 900 includes one or more transducers906 and a circuit board 904 that includes one or more chips for managingcommunication with the valves 902 and the transducer(s) 906. Becausethese local chip(s) reside within the manifold 900 itself, the valves902 can be digitally controlled in a precise manner. The local chip(s)may be connected to other components of the controller. For example, thelocal chip(s) may be connected to other components housed within thecontroller, such as processors (e.g., processor 802 of FIG. 8 ) andclock modules. The transducer(s) 906, meanwhile, can generate anelectrical signal based on the pressure of each chamber of thepressure-mitigation device. Generally, each chamber is associated with adifferent valve 902 and a different transducer 906. Here, for example,the manifold includes six valves i02 capable of interfacing with thepressure-mitigation device, and each of these valves may be associatedwith a corresponding transducer 906. Pressure data representative of thevalues of the electrical signals generated by the transducer(s) 906 canbe provided to other components of the controller for further analysis.

The manifold 900 may also include one or more compressors. In someembodiments each valve 902 of the manifold 900 is fluidically coupled tothe same compressor, while in other embodiments each valve 902 of themanifold 900 is fluidically coupled to a different compressor. Eachcompressor can increase the pressure of fluid by reducing its volumebefore guiding the fluid to the pressure-mitigation device.

Fluid produced by a pump may initially be received by the manifold 900through one or more ingress fluid interfaces 908 (or simply “ingressinterfaces”). As noted above, in some embodiments, a compressor may thenincrease pressure of the fluid by reducing its volume. Thereafter, themanifold 900 can controllably guide the fluid into the chambers of apressure-mitigation device through the valves 902. The flow of fluidinto each chamber can be controlled by local chip(s) disposed on thecircuit board 904. For example, the local chip(s) can dynamically varythe flow of fluid into each chamber in real time by controllablyapplying voltages to open/close the valves 902.

In some embodiments, the manifold includes one or more egress fluidinterfaces 910 (or simply “egress interfaces”). The egress fluidinterface(s) 910 may be designed for high pressure and high flow topermit rapid deflation of the pressure-mitigation device. For example,upon determining that an operator has provided input indicative of arequest to deflate the pressure-mitigation device (or a portionthereof), the manifold 900 may allow fluid to travel back though thevalve(s) 902 from the pressure-mitigation device and then out throughthe egress fluid interface(s) 910. Thus, the egress fluid interface(s)910 may also be referred to as “exhausts” or “outlets.” To provide theinput, the operator may interact with a mechanical input component(e.g., mechanical input component 706 of FIG. 7A) or a digital inputcomponent (e.g., visible on display 710 of FIG. 7A).

FIG. 10 is a generalized electrical diagram illustrating how thepiezoelectric valves 1002 of a manifold can separately control the flowof fluid along multiple channels in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology. In FIG. 10 , the manifold includes sevenpiezoelectric valves 1002. Other embodiments of the manifold may includefewer than seven valves or more than seven valves. Fluid, such as air,can be guided by the manifold through the piezoelectric valves 1002 tothe chambers of a pressure-mitigation device. In FIG. 10 , the manifoldis fluidically connected to a pressure-mitigation device that has fivechambers. However, in other embodiments, the manifold may be fluidicallyconnected to a pressure-mitigation device that has fewer than fivechambers or more than five chambers.

All of the piezoelectric valves 1002 included in the manifold need notnecessarily be identical to one another. Piezoelectric valves may bedesigned for high pressure and low flow, high pressure and high flow,low pressure and low flow, or low pressure and high flow. In someembodiments all of the piezoelectric valves included in the manifold arethe same type, while in other embodiments the manifold includes multipletypes of piezoelectric valves. For example, piezoelectric valvescorresponding to side supports of the pressure-mitigation device may bedesigned for high pressure and high flow (e.g., to allow for a quickdischarge of fluid stored therein), while piezoelectric valvescorresponding to chambers of the pressure-mitigation device may bedesigned for high pressure and low flow. Moreover, some piezoelectricvalves may support bidirectional fluid flow, while other piezoelectricvalves may support unidirectional fluid flow. Generally, if the manifoldincludes unidirectional piezoelectric valves, each chamber in thepressure-mitigation device is associated with a pair of unidirectionalpiezoelectric valves to allow fluid flow in either direction. Here, forexample, Chambers 1-3 are associated with a single bidirectionalpiezoelectric valve, Chamber 4 is associated with two bidirectionalpiezoelectric valves, and Chamber 5 is associated with twounidirectional piezoelectric valves.

The chambers of a pressure-mitigation device may be inflated/deflatedfor a predetermined duration of 15-180 seconds (e.g., 30 seconds, 60seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, 150 seconds, or any durationtherebetween) in accordance with a predetermined pattern. Thus, thestatus of each chamber may be varied at least every 60 seconds, 90seconds, 120 seconds, 240 seconds, etc. Generally, the predeterminedpattern causes the chambers to be inflated/deflated in a non-identicalmanner. For example, if the pressure-mitigation device includes fourchambers, the first and second chambers may be inflated for 30 seconds,the second and third chambers may be inflated for 45 seconds, the thirdand fourth chambers may be inflated for 30 seconds, and then the firstand fourth chambers may be inflated for 45 seconds. These chambers maybe inflated/deflated to a predetermined pressure level from 0-100millimeters of mercury (mmHg) (e.g., 15 mmHg, 20 mmHg, 30 mmHg, 45 mmHg,50 mmHg, or any pressure level therebetween). In some embodiments, theinflation pattern administered by the controller inflates/deflates twoor more chambers at one time. In these embodiments, the chambers can beinflated/deflated to the same or different pressure levels, and theduration that the chambers are maintained at the pressure levels may bethe same or different. For example, in the scenario above where thefirst and second chambers are inflated, the first chamber may beinflated to a pressure of 15 mm Hg while the second chamber may beinflated to a pressure of 30 mm Hg. In other embodiments, the controllercan apply different inflation/deflation patterns to the individualchambers.

FIG. 11 illustrates how aspects of the controller and pump may beincorporated into modular assemblies 1100 a-n. In such embodiments, thepump that supplies the flow of fluid that is manipulated to inflate thechambers of a pressure-mitigation device 1102 can be part of thecontroller. As shown in FIG. 11 , these modular assemblies 1100 a-n canbe detachably connected to the pressure-mitigation device 1102 asnecessary, and then removed when the pressure-mitigation device 1102 isno longer being used.

In some embodiments, the number of modular assemblies needed tocontrollably inflate a given pressure-mitigation device is based on thenumber of channels into which fluid can flow. In FIG. 11 , for example,the pressure-mitigation device 1102 includes three channels for thethree chambers, as the pressure-mitigation device 1102 does not includeside supports. Each modular assembly can be designed to support apredetermined number of channels. For example, modular assemblies may bedesigned to support a single channel, or modular assemblies may bedesigned to support more than one channel (e.g., two or three channels).

In other embodiments, the number of modular assemblies needed tocontrollably inflate a given pressure-mitigation device is based on acharacteristic of a human body to be situated thereon and/or acharacteristic of the surface on which the given pressure-mitigationdevice is to be deployed. For example, each modular assembly may be“weight rated” for a certain number of pounds, and the number of modularassemblies that are needed may depend on the weight of the human body.

Note that, in some embodiments, these modular assemblies 1100 a-n can beattached directly to the pressure-mitigation device 1102 without anyintervening tubing. In such embodiments, each modular assembly may haveone or more attachment mechanisms located around its egress fluidinterface, and the pressure-mitigation device 1102 may have one or moreattachment mechanisms located around each of its ingress fluidinterfaces. Normally, these ingress fluid interfaces are located ineasily reachable places. For example, the ingress fluid interfaces maybe located around the periphery of the pressure-mitigation device asshown in FIGS. 1A-4A and 11 . Thus, the ingress fluid interfaces may belocated in “flaps” or “extensions” that extend off the underlyingsurface on which the human body and pressure-mitigation device aresituated. These “flaps” or “extensions” may extend the chambers outsideof the geometrical pattern to be oriented beneath the human body.

As an example, assume that the pressure-mitigation device 1102 hasmultiple ingress fluid interfaces through which fluid is able to flowinto corresponding chambers. Each ingress fluid interface may havemagnets arranged about its periphery. Each modular assembly may have acomplementary arrangement of magnets about the periphery of its egressfluid interface. When a modular assembly is brought within proximity ofa given ingress fluid interface of the pressure-mitigation device 1102,the complementary arrangements of magnets can attract one another. Thus,the egress fluid interface of the modular assembly and the ingress fluidinterface of the pressure-mitigation device 1102 can be detachablyconnected to one another without intervening tubing. Other examples ofattachment mechanisms include clips, clasps, buttons, latches, patchesof hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesives, and the like. Note that whilethis feature is described in the context of modular assemblies, anon-modular controller (e.g., the controller 700 of FIGS. 7A-C) couldalso be attached directly to a pressure-mitigation device without anyintervening tubing.

Methodologies for Relieving Pressure on a Human Body

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process 1200 for varying the pressure inthe chambers of a pressure-mitigation device that is positioned betweena human body and a surface in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. By varying the pressure in the chambers, a controller canmove the main point of pressure applied by the surface across the humanbody. For example, the main point of pressure applied by the supportsurface to the human body may be moved amongst multiple predeterminedlocations by sequentially varying the pressure in differentpredetermined subsets of chambers. Note that the human body could be innearly any position, with minimal changes to the process 1200. Thus, thepressure-mitigation device may be arranged so that pressure is relievedan anatomical region located along the anterior or posterior side of thehuman body.

Initially, a controller can determine that a pressure-mitigation devicehas been connected to the controller (step 1201). The controller maydetect which type of pressure-mitigation device has been connected bymonitoring the connection between a fluid interface (e.g., the fluidinterface 708 of FIG. 7B) and the pressure-mitigation device. Each typeof pressure-mitigation device may include a different type of connector.For example, a pressure-mitigation device designed for deployment onelongated objects (e.g., pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 of FIGS.1A-B) may include a first arrangement of magnets in its connector, and apressure-mitigation apparatus designed for deployment on non-elongatedobjects (e.g., the pressure-mitigation apparatus of FIGS. 2A-B) mayinclude a second arrangement of magnets in its connector. The controllermay determine which type of pressure-mitigation apparatus has beenconnected based on which magnets have been detected within a specifiedproximity. As another example, the pressure-mitigation device designedfor deployment on elongated objects may include a beacon capable ofemitting a first electronic signature, while the pressure-mitigationdevice designed for deployment on non-elongated objects may include abeacon capable of emitting a second electronic signature. Examples ofbeacons include Bluetooth beacons, USB beacons, and infrared beacons. Abeacon may be configured to communicate with the controller via a wiredcommunication channel or a wireless communication channel.

The controller can then identify a pattern that is associated with thepressure-mitigation device (step 1202). For example, the controller mayexamine a library of patterns corresponding to differentpressure-mitigation devices to identify the appropriate pattern. Thelibrary of patterns may be stored in a local memory (e.g., the memory804 of FIG. 8 ) or a remote memory that is accessible to the controlleracross a network. The controller may modify an existing pattern based onthe pressure-mitigation device, the user, the ailment affecting theuser, etc. For example, the controller may alter an existing patternresponsive to determining that the pattern includes instructions formore chambers than the pressure-mitigation device includes. As anotherexample, the controller may alter an existing pattern responsive todetermining that the weight of the user exceeds a predeterminedthreshold.

In some embodiments, the pattern is associated with a characteristic ofthe user in addition to, or instead of, the pressure-mitigation device.For example, the controller may examine a library of patternscorresponding to different ailments or different anatomical regions toidentify the appropriate pattern. Thus, the library may include patternsassociated with anatomical regions along the anterior side of the humanbody, patterns associated with anatomical regions along the posteriorside of the human body, or patterns associated with different ailments(e.g., ulcers, strokes, etc.).

The controller can then cause the chambers of the pressure-mitigationapparatus to be inflated in accordance with the pattern (step 1203). Asdiscussed above, the controller can cause the pressure on one or moreanatomical regions of the human body to be varied by controllablyinflating one or more chambers, deflating one or more chambers, or anycombination thereof.

Other steps may be performed in some embodiments. As an example, thecontroller may be configured to regulate inflation of the chambers basedon a total duration of use of the pressure-mitigation device. Forinstance, the controller may increase or decrease the flow of air intothe chambers (and therefore, the pressure of those chambers) in acontinual, periodic, or ad hoc manner to account for extendedapplications of pressure on the human body. In some embodiments, thecontroller determines the total duration of use based on a clock signalgenerated by a clock module housed in the controller. In otherembodiments, the controller determines the total duration of use basedon signal(s) generated by some other computing device. For instance, thecontroller may be able to infer how long the pressure-mitigation devicehas been used based on the presence of a signal generated by a computingdevice associated with the patient, such as a mobile phone or wearableelectronic device. Said another way, the controller may infer thepresence of the patient based on whether his/her computing device islocated within a given proximity. For example, the controller may inferthat the pressure-mitigation device has been in use so long as thecomputing device is (1) presently detectable (e.g., via a point-to-pointwireless channel, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi P2P) and (2) has beendetectable for at least a certain amount of time (e.g., more than threeminutes, five minutes, etc.).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the approaches tomitigating the pressure described herein may be useful in variouscontexts. Several examples are provided below; however, these examplesshould not be construed as limiting in any sense. Instead, theseexamples are provided to illustrate the usefulness of mitigatingpressure in a few different scenarios.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a process 1300 for utilizing the sidesupports of a pressure-mitigation device to center a human bodypositioned thereon. Initially, a controller receives input indicative ofan indication that the human body is situated on the pressure-mitigationdevice (step 1301). For example, the controller may determine that thehuman body is situated on the pressure-mitigation device based on anoutput produced by a pressure sensor embedded in, or connected to, thepressure-mitigation device. As another example, the controller maydetermine that the human body is situated on the pressure-mitigationdevice responsive to a determination that a person interacted with atactile, visual, or audible element of the controller.

The controller can then inflate a first side support of a pair of sidesupports that extend along opposing longitudinal sides of thepressure-mitigation device (step 1302). Thereafter, the controller caninflate a second side support of the pair of side supports (step 1303).In some embodiments, steps 1302 and 1303 are performed a single time sothat the human body is laterally centered on the pressure-mitigationdevice by sequentially inflating the pair of side supports to form achannel. In other embodiments, steps 1302 and 1303 are performed atleast twice so that the human body is laterally centered on thepressure-mitigation device by alternately inflating the pair of sidesupports.

Then, the controller can determine that the human body is properlyoriented on the pressure-mitigation device (step 1304). Like step 1301,the controller may determine that the human body has been properlyoriented on the pressure-mitigation device based on an output producedby a pressure sensor embedded in, or connected to, thepressure-mitigation device, or the controller may determine that thehuman body is situated on the pressure-mitigation device responsive to adetermination that a person interacted with a tactile, visual, oraudible element of the controller.

In response to determining that the human body is properly oriented onthe pressure-mitigation device, the controller can cause the chambers ofthe pressure-mitigation device to be inflated and/or deflated inaccordance with a pattern (step 1305), as discussed above with referenceto FIG. 12 . In some embodiments, the pair of side supports are used toalleviate pressure applied to the human body by the underlying surfaceby being inflated in accordance with the pattern. In other embodiments,the pair of side supports are only used for orientation purposes.Accordingly, after the human body has been properly oriented on thepressure-mitigation device, the pair of side supports may remain in aninflated state or a deflated state. Whether the pair of side supportsare used to relieve pressure may depend on the weight of the human body,among other things. For example, the pair of side supports may only beused to orient the human body if the user is a lightweight patient(e.g., less than 250 pounds), and the pair of side supports may be usedto relieve pressure on the human body if the user is a heavyweightpatient (e.g., more than 250 pounds).

FIG. 14 includes a flow diagram of a process 1400 for transmitting datarelated to the flow of fluid from a controller into apressure-mitigation device to a destination external to the controller.Initially, the controller may receive input indicative of a request toinflate the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device in accordancewith a programmed pattern to treat a human body (step 1401). The inputmay be representative of a discovery of a machine-readable code that isassociated with the human body in a digital image that is obtained bythe controller, or the input may be representative of a discovery ofhuman-readable characters that convey information regarding the humanbody in a digital image that is obtained by the controller. As mentionedabove, these digital images could be generated by an image sensorincluded in the controller, or these digital images could be obtained,by a communication module, from a source external to the controller.Alternatively, the input may be representative of a discovery of anelectronic signature that conveys information regarding the human body.In some embodiments, the input is simply representative of aninteraction with the controller, indicating that treatment is to begin,

The controller can then cause fluid to flow into each of the chambers ofthe pressure-mitigation device in accordance with the programmed pattern(step 1402). Step 1402 of FIG. 14 may be similar to step 1203 of FIG. 12. By controllably inflating the chambers, the controller can shift theforce that is applied to the human body by an underlying surface overtime.

Moreover, the controller can transmit data regarding the flow of fluidto a destination that is external to the controller (step 1403). Forexample, the controller may transmit the data to a computing device viaa wireless communication channel, for analysis by a computer programexecuting on the computing device. This data may be representative ofpressure data or analyses of pressure data. Meanwhile, the computingdevice may be associated with the user, a healthcare professional, acaregiver, or some other entity. Assume, for example, that treatment ofthe user is overseen by healthcare professionals associated with ahealthcare provider, such as a hospital, clinic, surgery facility,recovery center, or nursing home. In such a scenario, the controller mayprovide the data to a computer program associated with the healthcareprovider, for further analysis. In some embodiments, data isperiodically transmitted to the destination by the controller, such thateach “batch” of data provides information regarding the flow of fluidover an interval of time. In other embodiments, data is continuallytransmitted to the destination by the controller, such that data iscommunicated to the computer program in near real time as it isgenerated by the controller.

FIG. 15 includes a flow diagram of a process 1500 for adjusting theprogrammed pattern for inflating the chambers of a pressure-mitigationdevice based on data received from a source external to the controller.Initially, the controller may receive input indicative of a request toinflate the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device in accordancewith a programmed pattern to treat a human body (step 1501). Step 1501of FIG. 15 may be similar to step 1401 of FIG. 14 .

Thereafter, the controller can obtain data regarding the health of thehuman body from a source external to the controller (step 1502). Forexample, the controller may obtain the data from a computing device viaa wireless communication channel. The computing device could beassociated with a healthcare professional, caregiver, or the userherself. In some embodiments, the computing device is managed by, oraccessible to, a healthcare provider responsible for managing treatmentof the user. For example, the controller may access or retrieveinformation from an electronic health record associated with the user asdiscussed above. In other embodiments, the computing device is a medicaldevice that was used to treat, or is presently treating, the human body.

The controller can then adjust the programmed pattern based on the data(step 1503) and cause fluid to flow into the chambers of thepressure-mitigation device in accordance with the adjusted programmedpattern (step 1504). Such an approach allows the controller to “tune”the programmed pattern to be better suited for the user.

FIG. 16 includes a flow diagram of a process 1600 for monitoring amedication regimen while continuing to controllably alleviate the forceapplied to a user by an underlying surface. Initially, the controllermay receive input indicative of a request to inflate the chambers of thepressure-mitigation device in accordance with a programmed pattern totreat a human body (step 1601). Step 1601 of FIG. 16 may be similar tostep 1401 of FIG. 14 . The controller can then cause fluid to flow intoeach of the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device in accordancewith the programmed pattern (step 1602). Step 1602 of FIG. 16 may besimilar to step 1203 of FIG. 12 . By controllably inflating thechambers, the controller can shift the force that is applied to thehuman body by an underlying surface over time.

While the human body is being treated by the pressure-mitigation device,the controller may also monitor a medication regimen. More specifically,the controller may promote compliance with the medication regimen aspart of a holistic approach to improving health. The controller candetermine whether a dose of medication is due to be administered bymonitoring a dosing schedule associated with the human body (step 1603),so that the medication is administered—by the user or another person—asnecessary while treatment is being provided by the pressure-mitigationdevice. To accomplish this, the controller may continually compare aclock signal generated by a clock module against administration timingsthat are defined by the dosing schedule. In the event that the clocksignal matches an administration timing (or is past an administrationtiming), the controller can determine that a dose of medication is dueto be administered.

When the controller determines that a dose of medication is due to beadministered, the controller may cause a notification to be generated byan indicating component (step 1604). In some embodiments, the controllermay receive second input that is indicative of an acknowledgement thatthe dose of medication was administered to the human body (step 1605).For example, the second input may be indicative of an interaction with amechanical component of the controller, or the second input may beindicative of an utterance, recorded by an audio input mechanism, thatthe dose of medication was administered. Upon receiving the secondinput, the controller may transmit an indication that the dose ofmedication was administered to a destination external to the controller(step 1606). The destination could be a computing device that is (i)accessible to the controller via a network and (ii) has a computerprogram executing thereon that monitors adherence to the medicationregimen. Note that in some embodiments, the dosing schedule may bereceived from a source that is external to the controller. The sourcecould be the same computing device that serves as the destination of theindication, or the source could be a different computing device than thedestination.

FIG. 17 includes a flow diagram of a process 1700 for audiblycommunicating with a user or an operator of a pressure-mitigationsystem. Initially, the controller may receive input indicative of arequest to inflate the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device inaccordance with a programmed pattern to treat a human body (step 1701).Step 1701 of FIG. 17 may be similar to step 1401 of FIG. 14 . Thecontroller can then cause fluid to flow into each of the chambers of thepressure-mitigation device in accordance with the programmed pattern(step 1702). Step 1702 of FIG. 17 may be similar to step 1203 of FIG. 12. By controllably inflating the chambers, the controller can shift theforce that is applied to the human body by an underlying surface overtime.

Moreover, the controller may emit an utterance, so as to audiblycommunicate information to the user or another person (step 1703). Theutterance could be emitted before treatment begins, in which case theutterance may be representative of an instruction regarding how todeploy or use the pressure-mitigation apparatus or controller.Alternatively, the utterance could be emitted as treatment occurs orafter treatment concludes, in which case the utterance may berepresentative of an inquiry, from a healthcare professional, regardingthe health of the human body. For example, a healthcare professional mayquery the user as to whether treatment has improved any of her symptoms.

Further, the controller may record an utterance by the user or the otherperson (step 1704). This recorded utterance may be responsive to theemitted utterance, or vice versa. Thereafter, the controller maytransmit data that is indicative of the recorded utterance to adestination external to the controller (step 1705). As discussed above,steps 1703-1705 could be performed in near real time, so as to allow forconversation between individuals who are not located near one another.

FIG. 18 includes a flow diagram of a process 1800 for controllablydispensing fluid into the ambient environment while a user is beingtreated with a pressure-mitigation system. Initially, the controller mayreceive input indicative of a request to inflate the chambers of thepressure-mitigation device in accordance with a programmed pattern totreat a human body (step 1801). Step 1801 of FIG. 18 may be similar tostep 1401 of FIG. 14 . The controller can then cause fluid to flow intoeach of the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device in accordancewith the programmed pattern (step 1802). Step 1802 of FIG. 18 may besimilar to step 1203 of FIG. 12 . By controllably inflating thechambers, the controller can shift the force that is applied to thehuman body by an underlying surface over time.

Further, the controller may dispense a fluid into the ambientenvironment (step 1803). Generally, the fluid is dispensed whiletreatment is being provided by the pressure-mitigation device, thoughthe fluid could be dispensed before treatment begins or after treatmentconcludes. In some embodiments, the fluid is not scented. For example,the controller may dispense water into the ambient environment topromote humidification, especially if it is determined (e.g., based onan output produced by the sensor suite or feedback received from theuser) that humidity is uncomfortably low. In other embodiments, thefluid is scented. In such embodiments, the fluid may be dispensed aspart of an aromatherapy program or simply to relax the user.

While fluid could be dispensed in an ad hoc manner, fluid is normallydispensed in accordance with a dispensing schedule. The dispensingschedule could be programmatically associated with the programmedpattern for inflating the chambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatusin the memory of the controller. The dispensing schedule could beprogrammed into the memory, for example, by the manufacturer prior todistribution, or the dispensing schedule could be received from a sourceexternal to the controller. For example, the dispensing schedule couldbe received from a computing device that is associated with a healthcareprofessional, a caregiver, or the user herself. Via the computingdevice, the dispensing schedule may be selected from among variousdispensing scheduled corresponding to different scents, intensities,dispensation frequencies, etc.

FIG. 19 includes a flow diagram of a process 1900 for interfacing withan electronic health record of a user that is to be treated with apressure-mitigation system. Initially, the controller may receive inputindicative of a request to inflate the chambers of thepressure-mitigation device in accordance with a programmed pattern totreat a human body (step 1901). Step 1901 of FIG. 19 may be similar tostep 1401 of FIG. 14 . The controller can then transmit a request forinformation related to the human body to a storage medium that isaccessible via a network (step 1902). The storage medium can include adatabase of electronic health records that are managed by, or accessibleto, a healthcare provider that is responsible for prescribing ormonitoring the treatment of the human body by the pressure-mitigationdevice. The storage medium may be part of a server system that ismanaged by a cloud computing service, such as Amazon Web Services®,Google Cloud Platform™, or Microsoft Azure®. In such a scenario, thehealthcare provider may be able to upload data to, and manipulate dataon, the server system. Alternatively, the storage medium may be part ofan “on-premises” storage solution that is managed by the healthcareprovider.

Thereafter, the controller can receive, from the storage medium, theinformation that is extracted from an electronic health recordassociated with the human body (step 1903). In some embodiments thecontroller retrieves the information from the electronic health record,while in other embodiments the controller simply accesses theinformation to glean an insight into the health of the user.

The controller can then determine whether any adjustment of a programmedpattern for inflating the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device isnecessary based on an analysis of the information (step 1904). Forexample, the controller may parse the information—or the electronichealth record itself—to determine whether the age, weight, or ailment ofthe user indicates that an adjustment is necessary. In the event thatthe controller adjusts the programmed pattern (step 1905), thecontroller can cause the chambers to be inflated in accordance with theadjusted programmed pattern (step 1906).

Note that while the sequences of the steps performed in the processesdescribed herein are exemplary, the steps can be performed in varioussequences and combinations. For example, steps could be added to, orremoved from, these processes. Similarly, steps could be replaced orreordered. Thus, the descriptions of these processes are intended to beopen ended.

Overview of Pressure-Mitigation Systems

FIG. 20 is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationsystem 2000 (or simply “system”) for orienting a user 2002 over apressure-mitigation device 2006 in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology. Here, the system 2000 includes a pressure-mitigationdevice 2006 that include side supports 2008, an attachment device 2004,a pressure device 2014, and a controller 2012. Other embodiments of thesystem 2000 may include a subset of these components. For example, thesystem 2000 may include a pressure-mitigation device 2006, a pressuredevice 2014, and a controller 2012. The pressure-mitigation device 2006is discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 1A-4C, and thecontroller 2012 is discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS.7A-10 .

In this embodiment, the pressure-mitigation device 2006 includes a pairof elevated side supports 2008 that extend longitudinally along opposingsides of the pressure-mitigation device 2006. FIG. 21A illustrates anexample of a pressure-mitigation device that includes a pair of elevatedside supports that has been deployed on the surface of an object (here,a hospital bed). However, some embodiments of the pressure-mitigationdevice 2006 do not include any elevated side supports. For example, sidesupports may not be necessary if the object on which the user 2002 ispositioned includes lateral structures that prevent or inhibithorizontal movement, or if the user 2002 will be completely immobilized(e.g., using anesthesia). FIG. 21B illustrates an example of apressure-mitigation device with no elevated side supports that hasdeployed on the surface of an object (here, an operating table). Thepressure-mitigation device 2006 includes a series of chambersinterconnected on a base material that may be arranged in a geometricpattern designed to mitigate the pressure applied to an anatomicalregion by the surface of the object 22222016.

The elevated side supports 2008 can be configured to actively orient theanatomical region of the user 2002 over the series of chambers. Forexample, the elevated side supports 2008 may be responsible for activelyorienting the anatomical region widthwise over the epicenter of thegeometric pattern. As shown in FIG. 20 , the anatomical region may bethe sacral region. However, the anatomical region could be any region ofthe human body that is susceptible to pressure. The elevated sidesupports 2008 may be configured to be ergonomically comfortable. Forexample, the elevated side supports 2008 may include a recess designedto accommodate the forearm that permits pressure to be offloaded fromthe elbow. The elevated side supports 2008 may be significantly largerin size than the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device 2006.Accordingly, the elevated side supports 2008 may create a barrier thatrestricts lateral movement of the user 2002. In some embodiments, theelevated side supports are approximately 2-3 inches taller in height ascompared to the average height of an inflated chamber. Because theelevated side supports 2006 straddle the user 2002, the elevated sidesupports 2008 can act as barriers for maintaining the position of theuser 2002 on top of the pressure-mitigation device 2006. As discussedabove, the elevated side supports 2008 may be omitted in someembodiments. For example, the elevated side supports 2008 may be omittedif the user 2002 suffers from impaired mobility due to physical injury,structural components that limit movement, anesthesia, or some othercondition that limits natural movement.

In some embodiments, the inner side walls of the elevated side supports2008 form, following inflation, a firm surface at a steep angle oforientation with respect to the pressure-mitigation device 2006. Forexample, the inner side walls may be on a plane of approximately 115degrees, plus or minus 24 degrees, from the plane of thepressure-mitigation device 2006. These steep inner side walls can form achannel that naturally positions the user 2002 over the chambers of thepressure-mitigation device 2006. Thus, inflation of the elevated sidesupports 2008 may actively force the user 2002 into the appropriateposition for mitigating pressure by orienting the body in the correctlocation with respect to the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device2006.

After the initial inflation cycle has been completed, the pressure ofeach elevated side support 2008 may be lessened to increase comfort andprevent excessive force against the lateral sides of the user 2002.Oftentimes, a healthcare professional will be present during the initialinflation cycle to ensure that the elevated side supports 2008 properlyposition the user 2002 over the pressure-mitigation device 2006, thoughthat need not necessarily be the case (e.g., if the pressure-mitigationdevice 2006 is deployed in a home environment).

The controller 2012 can be configured to regulate the pressure of eachchamber in the pressure-mitigation device 2006 (and the elevated sidesupports 2008, if included) via one or more flows of air generated by apressure device 2014. One example of a pressure device is an air pump.These flow(s) of air can be guided from the controller 2012 to thepressure-mitigation device 2006 via tubing 2010. For example, thechambers may be controlled in a specific pattern to preserve blood flowand reduce pressure applied to the user 2002 when inflated (i.e.,pressurized) and deflated (i.e., depressurized) in a coordinated fashionby the controller 2012. As shown in FIG. 20 , the tubing 2010 may beconnected between the pressure-mitigation device 2006 and the controller2012. Accordingly, the pressure-mitigation device 2006 may befluidically coupled to a first end of tubing (e.g., single-channeltubing or multi-channel tubing) while the controller 2012 may befluidically coupled to a second end of the tubing. While the pressuredevice 2012 is normally housed within the controller 2012, thesecomponents could be connected via tubing. Thus, the pressure device 2014could be fluidically coupled to a first end of tubing (e.g.,single-channel tubing or multi-channel tubing) while the controller 2006may be fluidically coupled to a second end of the tubing. As mentionedabove, the multi-channel tubing 2010 may not be needed in someembodiments. For example, the controller 2012 could be directly attachedto the pressure-mitigation device 2006, thereby eliminating the need fortubing between the controller 2012 and pressure-mitigation device 2006.

As discussed above, some embodiments of the system 2000 include acommunication module configured to facilitate wireless communicationwith nearby computing devices. For example, the controller 2012 mayinclude a communication module able to wirelessly communicate withhospital equipment 22222016 involved in treatment of the user 2002.Examples of hospital equipment include ECMO machines, mechanicalventilators, mobile workstations, monitors, and the like. The controller2012 may be able to pressurize the inflatable chambers of thepressure-mitigation device 2006 based on information obtained from thehospital equipment. For instance, the controller 2012 may alter aprogrammed pattern for pressurizing the inflatable chambers based on thecurrent status of the hospital equipment 2006, whether the hospitalequipment 2006 indicates that there is a problem, etc. As an example,the controller 2012 may receive, via the communication module, inputfrom a mechanical ventilator that a procedure (e.g., suctioning,spraying of medication, bronchoscopy) will be performed. In such ascenario, the controller 2012 may cause all inflatable chambers of thepressure-mitigation device 2006 to be pressurized (i.e., inflated) ordepressurized (i.e., deflated) so that the procedure is easier toperform. Thus, the controller 2012 may discontinue treatment inaccordance with the programmed pattern responsive to determining that itis not safe, appropriate, or desirable to continue treatment.

Processing System

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processingsystem 2200 in which at least some operations described herein can beimplemented. For example, components of the processing system 2200 maybe hosted on a controller (e.g., controller 2012 of FIG. 20 )responsible for controlling the flow of fluid to a pressure-mitigationdevice (e.g., pressure-mitigation apparatus 2006 of FIG. 20 ). Asanother example, components of the processing system 2200 may be hostedon a computing device that is communicatively coupled to the controller.

The processing system 2200 may include a processor 2202, main memory2206, non-volatile memory 2210, network adapter 2212 (e.g., a networkinterface), video display 2218, input/output device 2220, control device2222 (e.g., a keyboard, pointing device, or mechanical input such as abutton), drive unit 2224 that includes a storage medium 2226, or signalgeneration device 2230 that are communicatively connected to a bus222216. The bus 222216 is illustrated as an abstraction that representsone or more physical buses and/or point-to-point connections that areconnected by appropriate bridges, adapters, or controllers. The bus222216, therefore, can include a system bus, Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI) bus, PCI-Express bus, HyperTransport bus, IndustryStandard Architecture (ISA) bus, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I²C) bus, orbus compliant with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) Standard 1394.

The processing system 2200 may share a similar computer processorarchitecture as that of a computer server, router, desktop computer,tablet computer, mobile phone, video game console, wearable electronicdevice (e.g., a watch or fitness tracker), network-connected (“smart”)device (e.g., a television or home assistant device), augmented orvirtual reality system (e.g., a head-mounted display), or anothercomputing device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequentialor otherwise) that specify action(s) to be taken by the processingsystem 2200.

While the main memory 2206, non-volatile memory 2210, and storage medium2224 are shown to be a single medium, the terms “storage medium” and“machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium ormultiple media that stores one or more sets of instructions 2226. Theterms “storage medium” and “machine-readable medium” should also betaken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, orcarrying a set of instructions for execution by the processing system2200.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of thepresent disclosure may be implemented as part of an operating system ora specific application, component, program, object, module, or sequenceof instructions (collectively referred to as “computer programs”). Thecomputer programs typically comprise one or more instructions (e.g.,instructions 2204, 2208, 2228) set at various times in various memoriesand storage devices in a computing device. When read and executed by theprocessor 2202, the instructions cause the processing system 2200 toperform operations to execute various aspects of the present disclosure.

While embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computing devices, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the various embodiments are capable of being distributed as aprogram product in a variety of forms. The present disclosure appliesregardless of the particular type of machine- or computer-readablemedium used to actually cause the distribution. Further examples ofmachine- and computer-readable media include recordable-type media suchas volatile and non-volatile memory devices 2210, removable disks, harddisk drives, optical disks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory(CD-ROMS) and Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs)), cloud-based storage, andtransmission-type media such as digital and analog communication links.

The network adapter 2212 enables the processing system 2200 to mediatedata in a network 2214 with an entity that is external to the processingsystem 2200 through any communication protocol supported by theprocessing system 2200 and the external entity. The network adapter 2212can include a network adaptor card, a wireless network interface card, aswitch, a protocol converter, a gateway, a bridge, a hub, a receiver, arepeater, or a transceiver that includes a chip (e.g., enablingcommunication over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi).

The techniques introduced here can be implemented using software,firmware, hardware, or a combination of such forms. For example, aspectsof the present disclosure may be implemented using special-purposehardwired (i.e., non-programmable) circuitry in the form of ASICs,programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), and the like.

REMARKS

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimedsubject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Embodiments werechosen and described in order to best describe the principles of theinvention and its practical applications, thereby enabling those skilledin the relevant art to understand the claimed subject matter, thevarious embodiments, and the various modifications that are suited tothe particular uses contemplated.

Although the Detailed Description describes certain embodiments and thebest mode contemplated, the technology can be practiced in many ways nomatter how detailed the Detailed Description appears. Embodiments mayvary considerably in their implementation details, while still beingencompassed by the specification. Particular terminology used whendescribing certain features or aspects of various embodiments should notbe taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to berestricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of thetechnology with which that terminology is associated. In general, theterms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit thetechnology to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification,unless those terms are explicitly defined herein. Accordingly, theactual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosedembodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementingthe embodiments.

The language used in the specification has been principally selected forreadability and instructional purposes. It may not have been selected todelineate or circumscribe the subject matter. It is therefore intendedthat the scope of the technology be limited not by this DetailedDescription, but rather by any claims that issue on an application basedhereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of various embodiments is intendedto be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the technology asset forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A controller comprising: a structural body thatincludes an egress interface that is fluidically coupled to apressure-mitigation apparatus situated between a human body and asurface, wherein the pressure-mitigation apparatus includes a pluralityof chambers; an audio output mechanism operable to convert signals intosound; a processor; and a memory having instructions stored thereinthat, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: cause theplurality of chambers to be inflated in accordance with a programmedpattern, such that force applied by the surface to the human body isshifted to different positions over time, and transmit a signal to theaudio output mechanism, so as to cause an utterance to be emitted by theaudio output mechanism.
 2. The controller of claim 1, wherein theutterance is representative of an instruction regarding use of thepressure-mitigation apparatus.
 3. The controller of claim 1, wherein theutterance is prerecorded and the signal is stored in the memory.
 4. Thecontroller of claim 1, further comprising: a communication moduleconfigured to— initiate communication with a computer program executingon a computing device that is accessible via a network, and receive,from the computer program, a second signal that is representative of theutterance as recorded by an audio input mechanism of the computingdevice; wherein the signal is generated by the processor based on thesecond signal received from the computer program.
 5. The controller ofclaim 1, further comprising: a communication module configured toinitiate communication with a computer program executing on a computingdevice that is accessible via a network; and an audio input mechanismoperable to convert another utterance by the human body into anothersignal; wherein the instructions further cause the processor to:transmit data indicative of the other signal to the communication modulefor transmission to the computer program.
 6. The controller of claim 5,wherein the other utterance recorded by the audio input mechanism isresponsive to the utterance emitted by the audio output mechanism.
 7. Amethod performed by a controller that is fluidically connected to apressure-mitigation device that alleviates force on an anatomical regionof a human body, the method comprising: receiving input indicative of arequest to inflate chambers of the pressure-mitigation device inaccordance with a programmed pattern; causing fluid to flow into each ofthe chambers at varying rates in accordance with the programmed pattern,thereby shifting the force applied by an underlying surface to theanatomical region of the human body over time; and emitting anutterance, so as to audibly communicate information to the human body oranother person.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the utterance isrepresentative of an instruction regarding how to deploy or use thepressure-mitigation apparatus.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein theutterance is representative of an inquiry, from a healthcareprofessional, regarding health of the human body.
 10. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising: recording another utterance by the humanbody or another person located proximate to the controller; andtransmitting data indicative of the other utterance to a destinationexternal to the controller.
 11. A controller comprising: a structuralbody that includes an egress interface that is fluidically coupled to apressure-mitigation apparatus situated between a human body and asurface, wherein the pressure-mitigation apparatus includes a pluralityof chambers; a reservoir of scented fluid; a dispensing mechanismoperable to selectively dispense the scented fluid from the reservoir; aprocessor; and a memory having instructions stored therein that, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the processor to: cause the pluralityof chambers to be inflated in accordance with a programmed pattern, suchthat force applied by the surface to the human body is shifted todifferent positions over time, and transmit a signal to the dispensingmechanism, so as to cause an amount of the scented fluid to be dispensedfrom the reservoir.
 12. The controller of claim 11, wherein thedispensing mechanism includes (i) a pump that is able to selectivelydispense the scented fluid from the reservoir and (ii) a nozzle throughwhich the scented fluid is dispensed.
 13. The controller of claim 11,wherein the scented fluid is a liquid that is dispensed in the form of aspray.
 14. The controller of claim 11, wherein the scented fluid is anaerosol that is enclosed in the reservoir under pressure and dispensedby the dispensing mechanism as a spray by means of a propellant gas. 15.The controller of claim 11, wherein the reservoir is removable from thecontroller.
 16. The controller of claim 11, further comprising: a fanconfigured to generate an airflow for promoting dispersion of the amountof the scented fluid throughout an ambient environment.
 17. Thecontroller of claim 11, wherein the signal is one of multiple signalstransmitted to the dispensing mechanism over an interval of time, andwherein the multiple signals are transmitted to the dispensing mechanismbased on the programmed pattern.
 18. The controller of claim 17, whereinthe programmed pattern includes frames that define when the multiplesignals are to be transmitted to the dispensing mechanism.
 19. A methodperformed by a controller that is fluidically connected to apressure-mitigation device that alleviates force on an anatomical regionof a human body, the method comprising: receiving input indicative of arequest to inflate chambers of the pressure-mitigation device inaccordance with a programmed pattern; causing fluid to flow into each ofthe chambers at varying rates in accordance with the programmed pattern,thereby shifting the force applied by an underlying surface to theanatomical region of the human body over time; and dispensing scentedfluid into an ambient environment while treatment is being provided bythe pressure-mitigation apparatus.
 20. The method of claim 19, whereinsaid dispensing is performed in accordance with a dispensing schedule.21. The method of claim 20, wherein the dispensing schedule isprogrammatically associated with the programmed pattern in a memory ofthe controller.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:receiving the dispensing schedule from a source external to thecontroller and accessible to the controller via a network.